We’re not afraid of President Trump, says Pope Leo

Pope Leo XIV says he is not afraid of he US President Donald Trump.

The Pope reiterated his position on the Iran conflict and reaffirmed his commitment to peace.

Speaking to reporters at the start of a 10-day Africa trip, the pope said he would not be silenced by political attacks.

He said, “The Catholic Church speaks from the perspective of the Gospel and not conventional foreign policy.”

The remarks followed Trump’s criticism of the pontiff, whom he described as poor on foreign policy after the pope condemned threats and escalation in the Middle East crisis.

Pope Leo has repeatedly warned against using religion to justify war, insisting that Jesus represents peace and rejects violence.

He has also continued to advocate for nuclear disarmament, justice and sincere dialogue as the path to lasting global peace.

A Vatican official, Antonio Spadaro, said Trump’s attacks showed his discomfort with the pope’s moral message, adding that Leo’s words were clearly having impact.