Pope Leo XIV has responded to criticism from US President Donald Trump, pushing back against concerns over his comments on global conflicts.
Speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria, the pontiff said his mission — and that of the Catholic Church — is to spread the message of the Gospel rather than align with political interests.
He stressed that he is not intimidated by the American administration and will continue speaking out when 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.
“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 pope’s remarks come after US President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of his stance on international conflicts. Trump had accused him of taking a liberal political position in his comments on global security issues.
The US president has repeatedly clashed with the pontiff over the Iran conflict and migration policies, particularly on US military action and border enforcement.
Tensions between both leaders have continued since Leo became the first American pope in 2025.
Although Trump initially described his election as a “great honour” for the United States, relations later deteriorated due to disagreements over war, migration, and the role of religion in politics.
The pope has consistently criticised the Iran war, calling it unjust and warning against what he described as a “delusion of omnipotence” driving global conflicts.
He has also condemned the use of religion to justify violence, insisting that “God does not bless any conflict” and urging leaders to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.
Despite the ongoing friction, the pontiff maintained that he remains committed to his role as a peacemaker and that the Church will continue to speak on moral issues regardless of political pressure.