Pope Leo XIV has responded to criticism from United States President Donald Trump after Trump described him as “weak” for speaking out against the war in Iran.
The pontiff said he intends to continue condemning war and advocating for peace, despite the public attack from the US leader.
Speaking aboard a papal flight to Algiers, where he began a 10-day tour of four African countries, Pope Leo said the Christian message should not be misused or distorted in political disputes.
“I don’t want to get into a debate with him,” the Pope told journalists on board the aircraft. “I don’t think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing.”
He added that he is not intimidated by political pressure and will continue to speak out against conflict.
“I’m not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel, which is what the Church works for,” he said.
Pope Leo also emphasised that the Church’s role differs from that of political leaders, noting that it does not approach foreign policy from the same perspective as governments.
“We are not politicians,” he said. “We do not look at foreign policy from the same perspective that he may have.”
The pontiff reiterated his commitment to peacebuilding efforts, calling for dialogue and multilateral cooperation among nations.
“I will continue to speak out strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems,” he said.
“Too many innocent people are being killed. Someone has to stand up and say there’s a better way.”
He further referenced the Gospel message, stating: “Blessed are the peacemakers,” adding that his role is not political but moral and spiritual in nature.
Pope Leo, who was born in Chicago, has recently become an outspoken critic of the ongoing conflict involving Iran and has repeatedly described the violence as the “madness of war.”
His remarks follow comments from President Trump on Truth Social, where he called the Pope “WEAK on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” after earlier criticisms of US actions in the conflict.