Pope Leo XIV rejects Trump criticism, defends peace message amid Iran war tensions
Pope Leo XIV has pushed back against criticism from Donald Trump, saying he is not afraid to speak out and will continue promoting peace as conflict over Iran intensifies.
Speaking to reporters aboard his flight to Algeria, the pope said the Vatican’s stance is grounded in the Gospel and should not be equated with political positions. He emphasized that his remarks were not directed as personal attacks but as part of the Church’s broader mission.
“The message of the Gospel is clear: blessed are the peacemakers,” Leo said, adding that he would continue urging dialogue, reconciliation and efforts to avoid war wherever possible.
The pontiff also dismissed any suggestion that he was intimidated by Washington. “I’m not afraid of the Trump administration,” he said, stressing that the Church approaches global conflicts from a moral and spiritual perspective rather than a political one.
Tensions escalated after Trump publicly criticized the pope, calling him ineffective and accusing him of promoting liberal views. The US president also suggested Leo should refrain from commenting on political matters, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The dispute follows remarks by the pope warning that a “delusion of omnipotence” is fueling wars, including the current crisis. Although he did not name specific leaders, his comments were widely interpreted as a critique of the rhetoric surrounding military action.
Despite the backlash, Leo reiterated his commitment to advocating for peace, saying too many innocent lives have been lost. He called for renewed international cooperation and dialogue to resolve conflicts.
Political and religious figures in Europe, including Giorgia Meloni and Elly Schlein, voiced support for the pope, while Catholic leaders stressed that he should not be viewed as a political actor but as a spiritual leader focused on promoting peace.
The exchange highlights an unusually direct clash between a US president and a pope, underscoring deep divisions over the role of faith, politics and military policy in addressing global crises.
