Pope Leo addressing journalists on board the papal plane. (Credit: Vatican Media)
Pope Leo XIV has responded to recent criticisms from US President Donald Trump, asserting that his mission is rooted in the Gospel and he has no fear of the American president.
Speaking to journalists on Monday during a flight to Algeria—the first leg of his African tour—the Pontiff addressed Trump’s labels and accusations regarding global security.
According to Vatican News, the Pope stressed that he does “not see my role as that of a politician. I am not a politician, and I do not want to enter into a debate with him.”
Addressing Trump’s claims, where the President called the Pope a “liberal person” who “doesn’t believe in stopping crime,” the Pope said, “I do not think the message of the Gospel should be abused as some are doing.
“I continue to speak strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, dialogue, and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems.”
The Pope reiterated his mission of peace, urging all world leaders to pursue reconciliation, saying, “Too many innocent lives have been lost, and I believe someone must stand up and say there is a better way. I say this to all world leaders, not only him: let us end wars and promote peace and reconciliation.”
The pontiff reportedly added, “I have no fear of the Trump administration or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the Church is here to do.”
“We are not politicians,” he argued. “We don’t deal with foreign policy with the same perspective he might understand it, but I do believe in the message of the Gospel, as a peacemaker.”
The Pope’s comments come after President Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday that he was “not a big fan” of the Pontiff, and accused him of “toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon” following the global leader of Catholics’ plea for peace.
The exchange comes as the Pope begins an 11-day tour of Africa.
AFP reports that the papal visit to Africa takes in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, and will cover more than 18,000 kilometres (11,000 miles) between April 13 and 23.
On his first stop in Algiers, the pope reportedly met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and was also set to address diplomats.
Monday’s itinerary was also reported to include a visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers — home to the world’s highest minaret — and the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, overlooking the Bay of Algiers.
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