Pope Leo XIV responded to US President Donald Trump’s harsh criticism of his leadership prompted by the pontiff’s denunciation of the horrors of war, saying: "I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly."
Speaking on Monday on a papal flight to Algiers, the Pope said he would continue raising his voice against conflict, highlighting that the Christian message, rooted in the primacy of peace, was being “abused”.
"I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems," Leo told Reuters ahead of his 10-day tour of four African countries.
"Too many people are suffering in the world today," he said. "Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there's a better way."
Pope triggers Trump
Trump unleashed a scathing attack on the leader of the Catholic faith on Sunday evening on social media, describing him as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” after the first pontiff from the US preached a message of peace over war during a vigil at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Trump had said he was “not a big fan” of the Pope, accusing him of holding positions that weaken efforts to confront international security threats.
“He thinks it’s no big deal if Iran gets a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, referring to the Pope’s criticism of the US-Israeli attack of 28 February. He also criticised the Pope for allegedly opposing the US military operation in Venezuela in January and for maintaining contacts with individuals linked to former US President Barack Obama.
“I don’t want a pope who criticises the president of the United States,” Trump wrote on social media.
Trump later posted an AI-generated image on his personal social media account depicting himself in white and red robes, appearing to heal a sick person in a hospital bed.
The image shows the president placing his hand on the patient’s forehead, surrounded by people praying, while the US flag, the Statue of Liberty, fighter jets and eagles appear in the background.
'Enough war'
In the vigil in Rome, the Pope had called for a return to fundamental values, urging world leaders to pursue diplomacy rather than conflict.
“Enough of the idolatry of the self and of money. Enough displays of power. Enough war,” the Pope said.
“The true strength is shown when we serve life.”
Addressing global leaders, he urged them to “guarantee peace and sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, not at the table where rearmament is planned or deadly actions are decided.”
Catholics come to Pope’s defence
According to Reuters, on social media, Catholics rallied behind the leader of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church, who they believe is the successor of St. Peter, one of Jesus' 12 apostles.
"There is no ambiguity about the situation now," Massimo Faggioli, an expert on the papacy, told the news agency.
The expert likened Trump’s comments to efforts by the fascist leaders of Germany and Italy during World War Two to draw the late Pope Pius XII to support their causes.
"Not even Hitler or Mussolini attacked the pope so directly and publicly," said Faggioli.