Pope After Criticising Trump: “I Will Not Debate With Him”
Pope Leo XIV has responded to remarks by US President Donald Trump, saying he does not intend to engage in a public dispute and will continue to promote peace.
Speaking aboard a flight to Algiers, where he is beginning a 10-day tour of four African countries, the Pope said some actors were misusing the Christian message.
“I do not want to get into a debate with him,” he said, adding that no one should use the Gospel in such a way.
He reiterated that he would “speak out against war” and advocate for peace, dialogue and multilateral cooperation between states in pursuit of just solutions.
“Too many people are suffering today. Too many innocents are dying,” he said, stressing that his role is not political.
The head of the Catholic Church has in recent weeks spoken out strongly against the war involving the US, Israel and Iran. Trump has since criticised him, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy”.