‘Church won’t bow to political pressure’- Pope Leo fires back at Trump

Pope Leo XIV has responded to criticism from Donald Trump over his position on global conflicts, stressing that the Catholic Church must remain independent of political influence.

Speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane on his way to Algeria, the pontiff said his responsibility and that of the Church is to proclaim the message of the Gospel, not to take sides in political matters.

He added that he is not intimidated by the stance of the American leader’s administration and will continue to speak out whenever necessary.

“I have no fear of your 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,” the pontiff said.

“We are not politicians. We don’t deal with foreign policy with the same perspective you might understand it, but I do believe in the message of the Gospel, as a peacemaker.”

The pope’s remarks arrive on the heels of Trump’s scathing attack on him. The US leader had criticised Leo’s position on global security issues, accusing him of taking a liberal political position.

The US president has repeatedly clashed with the pontiff over the Iran conflict and migration policy, with Trump faulting the Vatican’s position on US military actions and border enforcement.

Tensions between both leaders have been brewing since Leo’s election as the first American pope in 2025.

While Trump initially hailed the development as a “great honour” for the United States, relations quickly turned frosty over disagreements on war, migration, and the role of religion in politics.

The pope has been a vocal critic of the Iran war, describing it as unjust and warning against what he called a “delusion of omnipotence” driving global conflict.

He has also condemned the use of religious justification for violence, insisting that “God does not bless any conflict” and urging world leaders to embrace dialogue and mediation instead of war.

Leo has further criticised the Trump administration’s migration policies, describing mass deportations and enforcement actions as inhumane and contrary to human dignity.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, the pontiff said he remains committed to his role as a “peacemaker”, insisting that the Church will continue to speak on moral issues regardless of political pressure.

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