Criticised by Trump, Pope Leo Responds Thus

The leader of the world’s Catholics, Pope Leo XIV, commented after US President Donald Trump criticised him regarding remarks on the war between the US and Iran. This US-born Pope stated that he “has no intention of debating” with Trump. The Pope’s response, as reported by AFP on Monday (13/4/2026), was given to journalists aboard the papal plane during a flight to Algeria for Pope Leo’s first visit to Africa. “I am not a politician,” said Pope Leo. “I have no intention of debating with him (Trump). The message remains the same: to promote peace,” he added. Trump had previously launched harsh criticism at Pope Leo for condemning the war between the US and Iran. Trump called Pope Leo “very bad for foreign policy.” “We do not like a Pope who says that having nuclear weapons is okay. … He is someone who does not think that we should mess around with a country that wants nuclear weapons, so they can destroy the world,” Trump said in his criticism. “I am not a fan of Pope Leo,” the US President added. Pope Leo is the first Pope from the United States, who has been very vocal in opposing the war waged by the US and Israel against Iran. Last week, Pope Leo condemned Trump’s rhetoric and threats against the Iranian people, calling it “utterly unacceptable.” In a separate comment via social media platform Truth Social, Trump issued a lengthy criticism of Pope Leo, whom he called “weak.” “I do not want a Pope who criticises the President of the United States,” Trump said. Trump also added a claim that Pope Leo “was not on the list to become Pope, and was only placed there by the Church because he is American, and they thought it would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump.”