‘I do not fear Donald Trump,’ Pope Leo declares

Pope Leo XIV has said he is unafraid of Donald Trump, hours after the US leader publicly criticised him on Truth Social.

Speaking to journalists aboard a flight to Algeria on Monday, the pope reaffirmed his willingness to speak out, regardless of political pressure.

“I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do,” he said.

When asked directly about Trump’s remarks, Leo responded with a subtle jab: “It’s ironic, the name of the site itself. Say no more.”

The exchange follows growing tension between the two figures over global conflicts and US foreign policy positions.

Earlier on Sunday, the pontiff had urged world leaders to end ongoing violence, warning against what he described as a “delusion of omnipotence” driving global unrest.

Trump attacks Pope Leo over Iran war, immigration stance

His comments were widely interpreted as criticism of recent US military actions, including strikes linked to tensions involving Iran and Venezuela.

Trump, in response, took to Truth Social to attack the pope, describing him as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.”

The latest remarks add to an increasingly public clash between the Vatican and Washington, with both leaders holding sharply different views on war, diplomacy, and global leadership.