Pope Leo XIV dismisses Trump criticism, says “I have no fear” and reaffirms mission of peace

Pope Leo XIV has brushed aside recent criticism from Donald Trump, declaring he has “no fear” of political pressure and reaffirming that his focus remains the Church’s mission of peace amid global conflict.

Speaking to journalists on April 13 at the start of his Apostolic Journey across Africa, Pope Leo addressed questions arising from recent social media remarks by the former U.S. president questioning his foreign policy stance and leadership.

The Pope, however, declined to engage in any political exchange, insisting his role is not political but pastoral.

“I’m not a politician, and I have no intention of getting into a debate with him,” he said. “Rather, the message has always been the same: to promote peace—and I say this for all world leaders, not just him.”

He added firmly, “I have no fear of the Trump administration,” underscoring his resolve to continue speaking on war and peace without intimidation.

Pope Leo repeatedly returned to his central message of the need for global peace, warning that the suffering caused by ongoing conflicts demands moral clarity and urgent attention.

“Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed, and I think someone has to stand up and say there’s a better way,” he said.

He stressed that his interventions are grounded in the Gospel and should not be interpreted as political attacks.

“To put my message on the same plane as political commentary is not understanding what the message of the Gospel is,” he said. “I will continue on with what I believe is the mission of the Church in the world today.”

The Pope called on world leaders and citizens to prioritise reconciliation, insisting that the Church must remain a voice that “builds bridges of peace and reconciliation.”

He also made a brief remark on the platform where the criticism was circulated, pointing to its irony without further comment.

The exchange comes amid months of continued papal appeals for peace, including a recent vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica, where he warned against the growing acceptance of war as a normal condition.

Now travelling across Africa on an 11-day pastoral visit, Pope Leo reiterated that peace must be understood not only as the absence of conflict, but as an expression of justice, dignity, and forgiveness.

“True peace is not merely an absence of conflict, but an expression of justice and dignity… possible only through forgiveness,” he said.

Despite the political attention generated by the remarks, the Pope maintained a consistent tone, framing his message as a moral and spiritual call to a divided world to choose dialogue over division and reconciliation over resentment.