Pope: I am not afraid of Trump administration

Pars Today – The leader of the world’s Catholics, while condemning the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran, said in response to a question about U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of his stance on the conflict: “I am not afraid of the Trump administration.”

According to Pars Today, Pope Leo XIV, upon arriving in Algiers on Monday, 13 April 2026 for a four‑day trip to Africa, told reporters: “What I say is not meant as an attack on anyone. I am not a politician. I ask all people to seek ways to build bridges of peace and reconciliation, and to avoid war whenever possible.”

In response to a question about Trump’s criticism of his position regarding the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, he added: “I am not afraid of Trump.”

Trump, who cites Christianity to justify attacks on Iran, reacted on his social media platform to the Pope’s opposition to military action against Iran. Using insulting language, he claimed that Pope Leo is weak in the face of crime and acts disastrously in foreign policy.

Pope Leo XIV had said during the Palm Sunday ceremony (29 March): “Jesus Christ is the King of Peace who rejects war, and no one can use him to justify war. Jesus Christ does not hear the prayers of those who wage war and rejects them.”

Last week, the Pope also directly referred to the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran, describing it as “terrifying and inhumane,” and called on world leaders to pursue diplomacy instead.