‘I Am Not Afraid,’ Pope Replies Trump
Pope Leo XIV has responded to the recent barrage of criticisms from the U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring that he has no intention of engaging in political disputes and will instead remain focused on preaching peace.
Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria on Monday, the pontiff distanced himself from politics, even as tensions escalate following Trump’s harsh remarks.
“I think that the people who read will be able to draw their own conclusions,” the Pope said.
“I am not a politician, I have no intention of entering into a debate with him.”
The Catholic leader stressed that his mission is rooted in faith, not political confrontation.
“I speak about the Gospel, I am not a politician,” he said, adding that he would continue to speak out against war and promote peace despite criticism.
“I will continue to speak out loudly against war, to try to promote peace, multilateral dialogue between states in order to seek the right solution to problems,” he stated.
Pope Leo also cautioned against the misuse of religion in political narratives.
“I do not think the message of the Gospel should be abused in the way some people are doing,” he said.
He emphasised that the core message of the Church remains unchanged: peace and compassion.
“The message of the Church is the message of the Gospel, blessed are the peacemakers,” he added.
The Pope further made it clear that he is not intimidated by political pressure from Washington.
“I am not afraid of the Trump administration,” he said, while reiterating that he would not be drawn into a direct confrontation with the U.S. president.
“I do not see my role as that of a politician, I do not want to enter into a debate with him. Too many people are suffering in the world,” he said.
The Pope’s remarks come days after Trump launched a scathing and highly personal attack on him, accusing the pontiff of weak leadership on crime and foreign policy, and alleging that he was undermining American interests.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, also questioned the Pope’s stance on global conflicts and nuclear policy while controversially suggesting that Leo’s emergence as pontiff was politically influenced.
However, rather than respond in kind, Pope Leo maintained a conciliatory tone, urging world leaders to prioritise dialogue over conflict.
His comments echo his earlier call at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where he warned against what he described as growing global aggression and the dangerous use of religion to justify violence.
“To them we cry out: stop! It is time for peace!” the Pope had said, urging leaders to embrace negotiation instead of war.
