Pope Leo XIV has responded strongly to criticisms from US President Donald Trump over his stance on global conflicts, insisting that the Catholic Church will not be influenced by political pressure.
Speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria, the pontiff said his mission is to preach the Gospel and promote peace, not to take sides in international politics.
He added that he is unafraid of criticism from the US administration and will continue to speak openly on moral and humanitarian issues.
“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 comments come after Trump launched a sharp attack on the pope, criticising his positions on global security and accusing him of adopting a liberal political stance.
The US president has repeatedly clashed with Pope Leo over the Iran conflict and migration policies, faulting the Vatican’s response to US military actions and border enforcement.
Tensions between both leaders have reportedly been building since Leo became the first American pope in 2025. While Trump initially described his election as a “great honour” for the United States, relations later deteriorated over disagreements on war, migration, and religion’s role in politics.
The pope has consistently condemned the Iran war, calling it unjust and warning against what he described as a “delusion of omnipotence” fueling global violence.
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He has also criticised the use of religion to justify war, stating that “God does not bless any conflict” and urging leaders to pursue dialogue and diplomacy instead.
On migration, Leo has condemned the US administration’s policies, describing mass deportations as inhumane and inconsistent with human dignity.
Despite ongoing tensions, the pontiff reaffirmed his commitment to peace, saying the Church will continue to speak on moral issues regardless of political pressure.