Pope Leo stated on Monday he will continue to speak out against war and promote peace, despite direct criticism from US President Donald Trump. Speaking aboard a papal flight to Algiers, the pontiff declared, "I have no fear of the Trump administration."
Pope Leo added that the Christian message is being "abused" and vowed to "continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems."
He clarified that his appeals for peace and criticisms of conflicts, including the "delusion of omnipotence" fueling the Iran wars, are not direct attacks on individuals. "Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there's a better way."
Trump had earlier called Pope Leo "terrible" and "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy" in response to the pontiff's criticisms of the Iran conflict and US immigration policies.