Pope Leo Rejects Trump’s Attacks on His Stance Against Global Conflicts

Aboard the papal plane flying to Algeria, Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong rebuttal to US President Donald Trump’s recent criticisms of his positions on worldwide disputes.

The pontiff noted that both he and the Catholic Church exist to spread the gospel message rather than to side with any political agenda.

He made clear he feels no intimidation from the American administration and will keep raising his voice whenever necessary.

“I have no fear of your 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,” the pontiff said.

He added: “We are not politicians. We don’t deal with foreign policy with the same perspective you might understand it, but I do believe in the message of the Gospel, as a peacemaker.”

The remarks followed closely on the heels of a sharp attack from President Trump, who accused the pope of adopting a liberal political position on global security matters.

The two leaders have repeatedly clashed over the Iran conflict and migration policy, with Trump faulting the Vatican’s views on US military actions and border enforcement.

Tensions first surfaced after Pope Leo XIV’s election in 2025 as the first American pope.

Trump initially described the milestone as a “great honour” for the United States, yet relations turned frosty over deep disagreements on war, migration and the place of religion in politics.

The pope has been an outspoken critic of the Iran war, calling it unjust and warning against the “delusion of omnipotence” he says is driving global conflict.

He has also condemned the use of religious justification for violence, insisting that “God does not bless any conflict” and urging world leaders to choose dialogue and mediation instead of war.

In addition, Pope Leo XIV has denounced the Trump administration’s migration policies, describing mass deportations and enforcement actions as inhumane and contrary to human dignity.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, the pontiff reaffirmed his commitment to his role as a “peacemaker” and said the Church will continue to speak on moral issues regardless of political pressure.