Pope Leo made his first public comments on Monday while aboard a plane en route to Algiers, marking the start of his African tour. Addressing journalists, the pontiff emphasized that his statements were not intended as personal attacks and clarified that he is not a politician. Instead, he said, his role is to encourage people to seek paths of peace, reconciliation, and conflict avoidance wherever possible.
“I am not afraid of the Trump administration,” Pope Leo asserted, responding to recent criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. Before the Pope’s departure, Trump had accused him of pursuing a “terrible” foreign policy, claiming on Truth Social that Leo’s election was influenced by hopes that an American pope could better manage relations with him. Trump added that he did not want a pope who would tolerate Iran’s possession of nuclear weapons.
On the plane, Pope Leo reiterated his commitment to the gospel’s message, quoting, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” He said he would not shy away from proclaiming this message and rejected any comparison between his mission and the president’s actions. “I am sorry to hear that,” he said, “but I will continue with what I believe is the mission of the Church in the world today.”
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration over issues of diplomacy and global security. Pope Leo’s visit to Algeria is part of a broader effort to promote dialogue and peace in a region facing complex political and humanitarian challenges. His statements underscore the Church’s role as a mediator and advocate for non-violence, even as it navigates relationships with world leaders whose policies sometimes diverge from its teachings.
