Pope Leo XIV on Monday underscored his commitment to spiritual advocacy over political confrontation, stating that he has no intention of engaging in a dispute with the US administration.
Speaking to reporters during his flight to Algeria, the Pontiff said, “I think that the people who read will be able to draw their own conclusions: I am not a politician, I have no intention of entering into a debate with Donald Trump.”
He added, “Rather, let us always seek peace and put an end to wars. I am not afraid of the Trump administration.”
The Pope maintained that his role remains rooted in faith and not politics. “I speak about the Gospel; I am not a politician. I do not think the message of the Gospel should be abused in the way some people are doing,” he said.
Emphasising his global mission, he stated, “I will continue to speak out loudly against war, to try to promote peace and multilateral dialogue between states in order to seek the right solution to problems.”
Reiterating the Church’s position, Leo XIV said, “The message of the Church is the message of the Gospel: blessed are the peacemakers. I do not see my role as that of a politician; I do not want to enter into a debate with him. Too many people are suffering in the world.”
The Pope described his visit to Africa as significant both personally and institutionally. “It is truly a blessing for me personally, but I believe also for the Church and for the world,” he said, adding that such missions are necessary “because we must always seek bridges to build peace and reconciliation.”
Highlighting the historical importance of Algeria, he referred to St. Augustine, a native of the region, as someone who “serves as a vital bridge in interreligious dialogue and is deeply loved in his homeland, as we shall see.” Leo XIV, who had earlier described himself as “a son of St. Augustine,” is the first Pontiff to visit the saint’s homeland.
Calling the 10-day African tour “a precious opportunity,” he said it would allow the Church to continue promoting “peace, reconciliation, and respect and consideration for all peoples.”
The visit marks the opening phase of his third international apostolic journey. In Algeria, where Catholics number only a few thousand among a population of around 48 million Muslims, the focus is expected to remain on fraternity and interfaith engagement.
The Pope’s remarks come amid escalating rhetoric in the United States. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops criticised President Donald Trump for remarks targeting the Pontiff, stating that he is “not his rival” and should not be viewed through a political lens.
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the USCCB, described the President’s comments as inappropriate and divisive, emphasising that the Pope is the “Vicar of Christ who speaks from the truth of the Gospel.”
The criticism follows a series of statements from the US President on social media, where he attacked Pope Leo XIV over his positions on American foreign policy, particularly his calls for dialogue in relation to the conflict with Iran.
In one such post, Trump claimed that the Pope would not have been appointed without his presence in the White House. He also described the Pontiff as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” and accused the Vatican of being soft on issues such as nuclear proliferation and US military actions in Venezuela.
The President further drew personal comparisons, stating a preference for the Pope’s brother, Louis, while alleging that Leo XIV’s appointment was a strategic move by the Church to counter his administration. He urged the Pontiff to focus on religious duties rather than global political issues.
Despite the sharp escalation in rhetoric, the first American-born Pope has continued to prioritise diplomacy and humanitarian concerns during his ongoing African tour.
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