Pope Leo XIV said Monday that he has "no fear" of the Trump administration and will keep speaking out against war, escalating an already bitter clash with President Donald Trump after the White House attacked the pontiff over his criticism of the Iran conflict and US immigration policy. Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane to Algeria, Leo said the Church's duty is to proclaim the Gospel as "a peacemaker," not to follow the political logic of governments.
The comments were Leo's fullest response yet to Trump, who on Sunday called the pope "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy," then doubled down before reporters after returning from Florida. The feud has intensified as Leo condemns the language of war and urges dialogue, while Trump and his allies portray the pope's stance as political interference.
