American born Pope Leo XIV, on Monday, pushed back strongly against criticism from US President Donald Trump, defending his stance on the Iran war and insisting his position was guided by a commitment to peace and the message of the gospel.
Speaking to reporters aboard his plane at the start of a 10-day trip to Africa, the pontiff made clear he would not be deterred by political attacks.
“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,” he said.
“We are not politicians, we don’t deal with foreign policy with the same perspective as he might understand it,” Leo added. “But I do believe in the message of the Gospel, as a peacemaker.”
His remarks came a day after Trump criticised the Pope, describing him as “terrible for foreign policy” over his position on the Iran conflict.
“We don’t like a pope that’s going to say that it’s OK to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “I’m not a fan of Pope Leo.”
The Pope, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, has in recent weeks become increasingly vocal about the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, condemning inflammatory rhetoric and warning against escalation.
Last week, he described threats against Iran as “truly unacceptable,” a comment that followed Trump’s warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” shortly before a ceasefire was reached.
Pope Leo has also repeatedly rejected attempts to frame the conflict in religious terms, particularly after US officials invoked faith to justify military action.
“Jesus is the king of peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” he said on Palm Sunday. “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them.”
Responding to Trump’s latest remarks, Vatican official Antonio Spadaro said the criticism reflected discomfort with the Pope’s moral stance.
“Trump doesn’t debate Leo: he begs him to retreat into a language that he can dominate,” Spadaro wrote on X.
“But the Pope speaks another language… one that refuses to be reduced to the grammar of force.”
He added that the attack showed the pope’s message was resonating. “If Leo were irrelevant, he wouldn’t merit a word… a sign that his word cuts deep.”
Pope Leo has consistently advocated for nuclear disarmament and dialogue, warning that global peace can only be achieved through justice, fraternity and mutual respect.
“The commitment to building a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued through respectful encounters and sincere dialogue,” he said in a previous address.
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