By Enakaye Peculiar
Pope Leo XIV has declared that he is not afraid of Donald Trump, insisting he will continue to speak out on issues of peace despite criticism from the American leader.
The pontiff made the remarks while speaking to journalists aboard a flight to Algeria, part of a broader African tour. He emphasised that his role is rooted in spreading the Gospel message, not engaging in political disputes, stressing that the Church operates from a different perspective than governments.
“I have no fear of the Trump administration,” the pope said, adding that his duty is to proclaim peace and act as a peacemaker rather than a political actor. He also made clear that he has no intention of entering into a personal debate with the US president.
The comments followed a sharp attack by Trump, who criticised the pope as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” accusing him of aligning with left-leaning views. The criticism came after the pope condemned escalating global tensions, particularly remarks linked to the Iran conflict.
Despite the growing war of words, Pope Leo reiterated his commitment to promoting dialogue and ending conflict. He urged global leaders to prioritise peace, saying the Church’s mission is to encourage reconciliation rather than deepen divisions.
The 69-year-old, who became the first American-born pope in 2025, has increasingly positioned himself as a vocal advocate for multilateral dialogue and non-violence, particularly amid rising global tensions.
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