In a swift response to President Donald Trump’s criticism, Pope Leo XIV has pushed back against the U.S. leader’s remarks.
The first American-born pontiff, who has repeatedly voiced concern over global conflicts, came under criticism from Trump on Sunday night.
Posting on Truth Social and speaking to reporters, Trump said he was “not a big fan” of Pope Leo, describing him as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.” He also accused the pontiff of “catering to the Radical Left” and suggested the Vatican was soft on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
In response, Pope Leo XIV told Reuters he did not want to engage in a direct debate with the U.S. president, stressing that the message of the Gospel should not be misused for political arguments.
“I don’t think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing,” he said.
He added that he would continue speaking out against war and remain committed to promoting peace, dialogue, and cooperation between nations in the search for just solutions to global conflicts.
“I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems,” he said.
The comments from both sides follow growing tensions over international conflict and foreign policy direction, with the Pope maintaining a consistent call for peace and restraint in global affairs.
The Vatican has not issued an additional official statement on the matter.
