Pope Leo XIV, during a four-day African tour to Algeria, emphasized that his increasingly strong anti-war statements are not directed at any individual. On Monday, he told reporters: "The things I say are not meant as attacks on anyone. I am not a politician. I am inviting all people to look for ways of building bridges of peace and reconciliation, of looking for ways to avoid war any time that's possible."

Responding to criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, the Pope stated he is "not afraid of the Trump administration." President Trump, members of his administration, and many supporters have allegedly invoked Christianity to justify strikes on Iran. Last Saturday, Pope Leo more directly referenced the U.S.-Israel-led war in Iran, denouncing the "horror and inhumanity" and pleading with leaders to pursue diplomacy instead.

In his latest statement, the pontiff declared: "Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!" This seemed to prompt Trump's latest outburst against the leader of the Catholic Church on his Truth Social platform. Trump claimed Leo was "terrible" at foreign policy and implied he had been elected as the first American pope supposedly solely to deal with Trump.

Pope Leo appeared unruffled, telling reporters on the plane to Algeria that he "will not shy away from announcing the message of the gospel." He quoted: "The message of the gospel is very clear: 'blessed are the peacemakers.'" This underscores his commitment to peace advocacy amid tensions with the U.S. regime and its aligned states, highlighting ongoing friction in international relations.

Source: www.dw.com