Pope Leo XIV declared on Monday that he does not fear the Trump administration, responding directly to recent attacks from U.ly. President Donald Trump. The Pontiff made the remarks while aboard the papal aircraft during his flight to Algeria, marking the start of his third international trip.
Trump attacked the Pope on Sunday via his Truth Social platform, calling him "weak with crime and terrible in foreign policy." The U.S. President also urged the Pontiff to "stop pleasing the radical left" and to focus on being a "great pope, not a politician," claiming his current stance is "harming the Catholic Church."
Addressing approximately 70 journalists during the flight, the Pope stated, "No, I do not fear the Trump administration, nor proclaiming the message of the Gospel loudly, which is what I believe I must be here for, and that is why the Church is here."
He further clarified his diplomatic stance, saying, "I do not believe that the message of the Gospel should be misrepresented as some are doing. I continue to manifest myself energetically against war, trying to promote peace, dialogue, and multilateralism with states to seek solutions to problems."
Defense from the Vatican
The Pope's response follows a recent vigil for peace at St. Peter's Basilica, where he criticized the "delirium of omnipotence" among world leaders without naming specific nations.
Cardinal Fernando Chomalí, the Archbishop of Santiago, also defended the Pontiff on Monday. Chomalí described Leo XIV as "a man of good," noting the leader is "forged by years of prayer, study, and closeness to the poor."
"We have a coherent leader who traces for us a path of no return: to promote peace always and under all circumstances," Chomalí stated via his X account. The Cardinal added that the Pope's courage stems from deep convictions, saying, "He prefers to obey God rather than men."
Despite the personal weight of the insults, the Pope maintained his focus on his religious mission. "Too many people suffer today, too many innocent people have died, and I believe someone must raise their voice," the Pope told reporters.
He emphasized that his criticisms are not personal attacks, asserting, "The things I say do not have to be understood as an attack on anyone. The message of the gospel is very clear: Blessed are the peacemakers."
Leo XIV concluded by noting that while he feels the weight of Trump's words, he will not alter his path. "I believe the President does not understand what the message of the gospel is," the Pope said, adding that he intends to continue seeking ways to build "bridges of peace and reconciliation."
