On Monday, aboard the papal plane bound for Algiers, Pope Leo responded to a recent personal attack by U.S. President Donald Trump by saying he will continue to be a vocal opponent of war. The pontiff, travelling to begin a 10-day visit to four African countries, said the core teaching of Christianity was being misused by some and made clear he did not intend to engage in a public debate with the U.S. president.
Speaking in English during the flight, the pope framed his remarks around the humanitarian consequences of armed conflict and the need for states to pursue dialogue. "I don’t want to get into a debate with him," he said. "I don’t think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing."
He described his planned stance in unequivocal terms: "I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems," the pope said.
Highlighting the human cost of conflict, he added: "Too many people are suffering in the world today," and warned that "Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there’s a better way."
The comments came as the pope set off for Algiers, the first stop on what was described as a 10-day tour to four African countries. He is travelling in the context of recent criticism from the U.S. president directed at the leader of the 1.4-billion-member Church.
In addition to outlining his refusal to engage in a back-and-forth with the president, the pope emphasised institutional and diplomatic remedies for conflicts between states, calling for multilateral relationships as a means to seek just solutions.
Also on board were journalists covering the trip, and the pontiff used the opportunity to reiterate a long-standing moral position: to oppose war and advocate for dialogue that prioritises the protection of civilians and the search for equitable outcomes.
Context note: The pope made these remarks while traveling to Algiers to begin a 10-day tour of four African countries. He spoke in English during the flight.