Pope Leo XIV says he has no fear of Trump as he defends his peace stance on Iran, deepening tensions between the Vatican and the White House.
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Pope Leo XIV has firmly responded to criticism from Donald Trump, emphasizing that the Vatican’s repeated calls for peace are guided by religious principles rather than political motives.
Speaking to The Associated Press while aboard the papal plane, the pope dismissed comparisons between his appeals for reconciliation and US foreign policy on Iran. He said such comparisons reflect a misunderstanding of Christian teachings.
“I will continue on what I believe is the mission of the church in the world today,”
he said, underlining his commitment to promoting peace and dialogue in times of global conflict.
Addressing the ongoing tensions, Pope Leo XIV made it clear that he is not intimidated by criticism from Washington.
“I have no fear of the Trump administration,”
he stated, reinforcing that his remarks are not aimed at individuals but rather at broader global issues.
The pope warned against what he described as the “delusion of omnipotence” driving conflicts such as the Iran war. He reiterated that his mission is rooted in faith, not politics.
"I will not enter into debate. The things that I say are certainly not meant as attacks on anyone. The message of the Gospel is very clear: 'Blessed are the peacemakers," Leo said.
"I will not shy away from announcing the message of the Gospel and inviting all people to look for ways of building bridges of peace and reconciliation, and looking for ways to avoid war any time that's possible"
Meanwhile, President Trump has intensified his criticism of the pontiff, both online and in public remarks.
Flying back to Washington from Florida, Trump took to social media to attack Pope Leo XIV, calling him “terrible on foreign policy” and labeling him “very liberal.”
After landing, he continued his criticism while speaking to reporters on the tarmac, stating: "I'm not a fan of Pope Leo," further escalating an already unusual public disagreement between a sitting US president and the leader of the Catholic Church.
Despite the sharp tone, the pope maintained that his comments are not personal attacks on Trump.
The exchange reflects a rare and highly visible divide between the White House and the Vatican. While Trump has taken a hardline stance on Iran and global security, Pope Leo XIV has consistently urged restraint, diplomacy, and dialogue.
The pope had earlier warned that escalating violence in the Iran conflict is being fuelled by a dangerous mindset he described as a “delusion of omnipotence.” His continued appeals for peace have placed him at odds with the US administration’s approach.
Amid the ongoing tensions, Pope Leo XIV has continued his global mission. On Monday, he arrived in Algiers, marking the beginning of his first visit to Algeria, a Muslim-majority nation.
During the visit, the pope is expected to honour victims of Algeria’s war of independence from France, highlighting his focus on reconciliation and historical healing.
Source : Gulf News
