Pope Leo XIV replied to the American president’s criticism: “I am not afraid of the Trump administration nor of proclaiming the message of the Gospel.”
A few hours after Donald Trump’s remarks, Pope Leo XIV decided to answer. “I am not afraid of the Trump administration, nor of proclaiming the Gospel message,” he remarked aboard the plane bound for Algeria, where a journalist from Le Monde was also present, adding, “This is what I believe I am called to do and what the Church is called to do.”
In a stressful international atmosphere caused by the Middle East war, the American president launched a diatribe against the pontiff, claiming that he was “not a big fan.” Leo XIV had earlier given a speech against the fight.
“I have no intention of entering into a debate with him ,” the pontiff stated on the plane Monday, adding that “the message has always been the same: to promote peace. I say this for all world leaders, not just him. We are always seeking to end wars and promote peace and reconciliation . ” The Pope also affirmed that he is not “one of the politicians; we do not view foreign policy—as he calls it—from the same perspective as he does”.
Pope Leo XIV landed in Algeria on Monday morning for a historic two-day visit, the first by a pope to this mostly Muslim country and the birthplace of Saint Augustine. He is then slated to stay in Africa for around ten days.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a far-right leader who is allied to Mr Trump, released a message on Monday morning wishing the Pope a successful journey to the four African countries.
The Pope’s comment follows that of the American president. “I am not a big fan of Pope Leo.” “He’s a very progressive person, and he doesn’t believe in fighting crime,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Sunday at Maryland’s Andrews Air Force Base.
He accused the pontiff of “playing games with a country that wants to acquire nuclear weapons,” in reference to Iran. Shortly after, Donald Trump posted a lengthy message on his network, Truth Social, accusing Leo XIV of supporting Iran’s nuclear weapons program, opposing the US military operation in Venezuela in January, and meeting with supporters of former Democratic President Barack Obama, among other allegations.
“Pope Leo is WEAK on crime, and catastrophic on foreign policy,” the American president’s message begins. He goes on to argue that Leo XIV was appointed pope “simply because he is American, and [the Church] thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump ,” asserting: “Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican if I weren’t in the White House.”
“I don’t want a pope who criticizes the president of the United States, because I am doing exactly what I was elected to do, OVERWHELMINGLY, which is to bring crime down to historically low levels and create the greatest stock market in history ,” the Republican president also wrote.
Donald Trump accompanied his message with an AI-generated image of himself in a white and red robe placing his hand on the forehead of a sick man in a hospital bed, surrounded by people praying, against a backdrop of the American flag, the Statue of Liberty, fighter jets, eagles and other figures in the sky.
The Italian Episcopal Conference, “while reaffirming its full communion with the Holy Father Leo XIV,” issued a statement on Monday expressing “its regret for the remarks made to it in recent hours by the President of the United States, Donald Trump.”
“Echoing the remarks made by the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Paul S. Coakley, it recalls that the Pope is not a political interlocutor, but the successor of Peter, called to serve the Gospel, truth and peace ,” the statement adds.
“I am appalled that the president has chosen to write such disparaging remarks about the Holy Father. Pope Leo is not his rival; nor is the Pope a politician. He is the Vicar of Christ, who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the good of souls,” Bishop Coakley had written earlier .
According to the Italian bishops, “in this period marked by international conflicts and tensions,” the Pope’s speech “represents an urgent appeal to the dignity of the person, dialogue, and responsibility.” “The Churches of Italy renew to the Holy Father their closeness, their affection, and their prayers, calling on everyone to respect his person and his ministry ,” the bishops of the region concluded.
On Saturday, Pope Francis delivered one of his most impassioned assessments of the world’s wars. “Enough with the idolatry of self and money! Enough with the shows of force! Enough war! “True strength is manifested in serving life,” the pontiff stated during a prayer vigil for peace at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
