Pope Leo XIV Says He Has "No Fear" of Trump Criticism Over Iran War Stance

Pope Leo XIV has said he has "no fear" of the Donald Trump administration and will continue speaking out against war, responding to sharp criticism from the U.S. president over his stance on the conflict involving Iran. Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane en route to Algiers, the pope dismissed concerns about political backlash, emphasizing his commitment to promoting peace and protecting human life. "I have no fear of the Trump administration or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the church is here to do," Pope Leo said. Th

Pope Leo XIV has said he has "no fear" of the Donald Trump administration and will continue speaking out against war, responding to sharp criticism from the U.S. president over his stance on the conflict involving Iran.

Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane en route to Algiers, the pope dismissed concerns about political backlash, emphasizing his commitment to promoting peace and protecting human life.

"I have no fear of the Trump administration or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the church is here to do," Pope Leo said.

The remarks follow criticism from Trump, who called the pontiff "WEAK on crime" and "terrible for Foreign Policy." Trump's comments extended beyond the Iran conflict, though his sharpest remarks targeted the pope's public opposition to the U.S. military campaign against Iran.

Pope Leo pushed back on the framing. "We are not politicians, we don't deal with foreign policy with the same perspective he might understand it. But I do believe in the message of the Gospel, as a peacemaker," he said.

The exchange marks a rare and increasingly public disagreement between Washington and the Vatican. While the U.S. administration has pursued an assertive military strategy in the region, the Vatican has consistently called for restraint and diplomatic engagement.

The pope also stressed the human cost of armed conflict, saying too many civilians were bearing the burden of war. He emphasized that speaking out against violence remains central to the Church's mission regardless of political consequences.

The comments were made as Pope Leo XIV began an 11-day visit to Africa, with stops planned in Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon, focused on peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue and humanitarian issues.