Pope Leo XIV has dismissed criticism from Donald Trump, stating he is not afraid to speak out amid their growing disagreement over the U.S.-Israel war in Iran.
Speaking aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria, the U.S.-born pontiff emphasized that the Vatican’s calls for peace are rooted in the Gospel and should not be equated with political rhetoric. He stressed that his message is not aimed at attacking any individual but at promoting reconciliation and discouraging war.
“I will not enter into debate,” Leo said, reiterating that his stance reflects the Church’s mission to encourage peace. He added that he would continue to advocate dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and non-violent solutions to global conflicts.
The pope also rejected the idea that he is influenced by politics, saying the Church does not approach global issues from the same perspective as governments. He maintained that speaking against war is necessary, especially as innocent lives continue to be lost.
Trump, however, launched a sharp attack on the pope, describing him as ineffective and “very liberal.” He accused Leo of being weak on crime and foreign policy, and suggested the pontiff should avoid aligning with left-leaning views. Trump also criticized Leo’s comments about the war in Iran, claiming he does not support a pope who appears lenient on nuclear threats.
The dispute escalated after Leo warned that a “delusion of omnipotence” is fueling conflicts such as the Iran war. Although he did not directly mention Trump, his remarks were widely interpreted as criticism of U.S. leadership and military posture.
Trump continued his criticism in public statements and on social media, questioning the pope’s leadership and even suggesting his election was influenced by U.S. politics.
Despite the backlash, Leo has remained firm, insisting he will continue to preach peace and uphold the Gospel’s message. He reaffirmed that the Church’s role is not political but moral focused on advocating for dialogue, justice, and reconciliation in a world marked by conflict.
Religious leaders and political figures, particularly in Italy, have rallied behind the pope, stressing that he is not a political opponent but a spiritual leader tasked with guiding the faithful and promoting peace.
Culled from https://globalnews.ca
