The Pope doubles down on his message of peace amid rising global tensions.
Pope Leo XIV has responded firmly to criticism from Donald Trump, saying he has “no fear” of the U.S. administration and will continue to speak out against war.
Speaking during a visit to Algeria, the Pope said his mission is guided by the Gospel, not politics. He stressed that his calls for peace are not attacks on any country but part of his religious duty.
“I will not shy away from promoting peace and dialogue,” he said, adding that too many innocent lives are being lost in ongoing conflicts.
The response follows Trump’s recent remarks on social media, where he described the Pope as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.” The criticism came after the pontiff urged world leaders to end violence, including tensions linked to the Iran conflict.
Pope Leo, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, has consistently called for peaceful resolutions to global crises. He has spoken out on conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, and the Middle East, urging leaders to choose negotiation over escalation.
The exchange highlights a growing divide between political leadership and religious authority on global issues. While Trump has defended his administration’s approach to security, the Pope continues to advocate restraint and diplomacy.
As tensions rise worldwide, the Vatican’s message remains clear: dialogue, not conflict, is the path forward.