Pope Leo XIV has dismissed criticism from Donald Trump, reaffirming his commitment to peace and declaring he is not afraid of the U.S. administration.
Algiers, Algeria – Pope Leo XIV has pushed back against criticism from Donald Trump, stating clearly that he is not afraid of the U.S. administration and remains committed to promoting peace worldwide.
The pontiff made the remarks on Monday aboard a flight to Algiers, the first stop on his Africa tour.
Addressing journalists, Pope Leo said his calls for an end to global conflicts were not directed at any individual or government but were rooted in the teachings of the Church.
“The things I say are not meant as attacks on anyone. I am not a politician,” he said, emphasizing his role as a spiritual leader advocating peace and reconciliation.
“I am inviting all people to look for ways of building bridges of peace… I am not afraid of the Trump administration.”
The comments followed recent criticism from Trump, who accused the pope of pursuing what he described as a “terrible foreign policy.”
Posting on the Truth Social platform, Trump suggested that Leo’s emergence as pope was influenced by expectations that an American pontiff would better engage with his administration.
He also criticized the pope’s stance on global security issues, including concerns over nuclear proliferation.
Responding, Pope Leo reiterated that his message is grounded in the gospel and the Church’s mission to promote peace.
“The message of the gospel is very clear: ‘blessed are the peacemakers.’ I will not shy away from announcing it,” he said.
He added that equating his message with political positions misunderstands the spiritual responsibility of the Church.
“I will continue with what I believe is the mission of the Church in the world today,” the pontiff stated.
The exchange highlights growing tension between moral advocacy from religious leaders and political responses on global security and foreign policy issues.
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