‘I’ve no fear for your administration’ — Pope Leo XIV replies Trump

Pope Leo XIV has pushed back against criticism from United States President Donald Trump, insisting that the Catholic Church will not be drawn into political alignment.

Speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria, the pontiff said his responsibility—and that of the Church—is to proclaim the Gospel rather than engage in political interests.

“I have no fear of your administration or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the Church is here to do,” he said.

“We are not politicians. We don’t deal with foreign policy with the same perspective you might understand it, but I do believe in the message of the Gospel, as a peacemaker.”

His remarks come shortly after Trump launched a series of attacks accusing the pope of taking a liberal stance on global security and foreign policy issues.

The two leaders have repeatedly clashed over the ongoing Iran conflict and migration policies, with Trump criticising the Vatican’s opposition to US military actions and border enforcement measures.

Tensions between them date back to Leo’s election in 2025 as the first American pope. Although Trump initially described the development as a “great honour” for the United States, relations have since deteriorated over differences on war, migration, and the intersection of religion and politics.

Pope Leo XIV has consistently condemned the Iran war as unjust, warning against what he describes as a “delusion of omnipotence” driving global conflicts. He has also cautioned against invoking religion to justify violence, stating that “God does not bless any conflict,” and urging world leaders to prioritise dialogue and mediation.

In addition, the pontiff has criticised the Trump administration’s migration policies, describing mass deportations and enforcement actions as inhumane and contrary to human dignity.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Pope Leo maintained that his role remains that of a “peacemaker,” stressing that the Church will continue to speak on moral issues regardless of political pressure.