Despite sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump, Pope Leo XIV has declared that he will not retreat from his firm stance against the war in the Middle East.
The Operative Information Center-OMM, citing CNN, reports that the head of the Catholic Church made these remarks to journalists aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria.
"I do not wish to enter into a discussion with Donald Trump. I will continue to speak out loudly against war, seeking to promote peace, dialogue, and multilateral relations between states to find a just solution to problems," the Pope noted.
Emphasizing that too many civilians have perished as a result of military operations, Leo XIV added: "Too many people in the world are suffering, too many innocent people are dying. I believe someone must stand up and say there is another—a better—way."
It should be noted that earlier, US President Donald Trump accused Pope Leo XIV of being weak on crime and "terrible" regarding foreign policy. Trump stated that he preferred the Pope's brother, Louis, because he fully supports the "MAGA" (Make America Great Again) movement. Furthermore, US President Donald Trump emphasized that he does not want to see a leader of the Roman Catholic Church who considers it acceptable for Iran to possess nuclear weapons.
The relationship between the Holy See and the White House has historically been a cornerstone of international diplomacy, often balancing moral advocacy with geopolitical strategy. As Pope Leo XIV continues his apostolic journey to North Africa, his emphasis on multilateralism serves as a counterpoint to the "America First" doctrine championed by the current US administration. Such diplomatic tensions highlight the ongoing debate over the role of religious leadership in global security and nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
