Pope Leo XIV said he had “no fear” of the Trump administration or of speaking openly about the message of the Gospel, as he pushed back on President Donald Trump’s criticism and said the Church’s mission is peace, not politics.
According to Vatican News, Leo spoke to reporters during his flight to Algeria and said he would not enter into a debate with Trump.
“I do 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,” Leo said, according to Vatican News.
Leo also said he had “no fear” of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the Gospel. He said the Church does not view foreign policy through the same lens as political leaders, but remains committed to peace.
The pope said the Gospel should not be used the way “some are doing” and said he would continue speaking strongly against war while promoting peace, dialogue and multilateralism among states.
He said too many people are suffering, too many innocent lives have been lost, and that someone must stand up and say there is a better way.
Leo broadened that appeal beyond Washington, saying his message was for all world leaders. He urged them to end wars and promote peace and reconciliation.
The comments came after Trump wrote on Truth Social that the pope was “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.” Trump also said Leo should focus on being “a Great Pope, not a Politician.”
Trump further argued that Leo’s public comments on war and foreign affairs were hurting both the pontiff and the Catholic Church.
Vatican News said Leo used the exchange to restate one of the central themes of his papacy: peace. He said the broader mission of his trip to Africa, like his message since the start of his pontificate, is to promote peace, reconciliation, respect and consideration for all peoples.
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