Pope responds to Trump, says Church will not bend to political pressure
Pope Leo XIV has responded to criticism from President Donald Trump, who had described him as weak on crime and poor on foreign policy, saying clearly that the Catholic Church will not adjust its message to suit political leaders.
Speaking to journalists while on a papal flight to Algeria, the Pope said the Church’s role is to spread the Gospel and promote peace, not to follow the expectations of any government or political agenda.
He stressed that the Vatican is not a political institution and does not approach global issues in the same way world leaders do. According to him, the Church focuses on moral teaching and spiritual guidance rather than political interests.
The Pope also said he has no fear of speaking out when necessary, adding that he is not intimidated by the Trump administration, and insisted that his responsibility is to the message of the Gospel, not foreign policy debates.
