Pope Leo XIV addressed one of the most heated political confrontations of 2026 ahead of his 11-day tour across four African nations. The first American pontiff responded to sharp criticism from President Donald Trump after a public feud over foreign policy and the war with Iran.
Pope Leo reacts to Donald Trump’s attack
Pope Leo XIV told NBC News he has “no fear of the Trump administration” after President Donald Trump called him “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.” The pontiff spoke aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria on Monday. He vowed to continue his appeals for peace rooted in the gospel.
Trump criticized the first American pope in remarks to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, late Sunday. He told NBC News, “I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. He likes crime, I guess.” Trump added on Truth Social that the church chose Leo only because he was American.
The president claimed the Vatican selected Leo specifically to deal with his administration. Trump posted, “If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.” He also said he opposed a pope who supports having nuclear weapons.
Pope Leo responded by distinguishing the church’s mission from political strategy during the flight. He stated, “We are not politicians, we don’t deal with foreign policy with the same perspective he might understand it.” The pope described himself as a believer in the gospel’s message as a peacemaker.
The pontiff continued speaking against the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran upon arriving in Algiers. He visited Algeria’s monument to independence and warned against adding “resentment upon resentment” amid multiplying conflicts. Last week, Leo criticized Trump’s threats to “wipe out” Iranian civilization as violations of international law.
Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, rebuked Trump’s remarks Sunday night. Coakley wrote, “Pope Leo is not his rival; nor is the Pope a politician.” A March NBC News poll showed 42% of U.S. voters viewed Leo favorably compared to Trump’s 41% favorable rating.
