Pope Leo XIV Hits Back at Trump, Says He Does Not Fear the Administration

Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has responded firmly to a series of sharp attacks by US President Donald Trump, declaring that he has no fear of the Trump administration and that he will continue to advocate for peace and against war.

Trump had publicly attacked the Pope, calling him weak on crime and poor on foreign policy. The US President had also posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ, and made clear he was no admirer of the pontiff — going so far as to say he had no use for a Pope who believed America was wrong to target Venezuela.

The Pope delivered his response to journalists during a visit to Algeria, saying he had no interest in engaging in a quarrel with Trump, but that his commitment to promoting peace was unwavering. "I am not afraid of the Trump administration. I believe that is what I am here for — people are suffering greatly in the world today. Many innocent people are being killed. I think someone needs to stand up and say there is a better way," he told reporters.

The pontiff had previously described Trump's threat to obliterate Iranian civilisation as unacceptable. Pope Leo XIV has also been a vocal critic of the Trump administration's immigration policies, further straining relations between the Vatican and Washington.