Pope Leo says will continue to speak for peace, after Trump criticise him

ROME: Pope Leo says will continue to speak for peace, after Trump criticise him Pope Leo has said he will continue speaking out for peace and will not be silenced despite criticism from the US administration.

Responding for the first time to remarks from Donald Trump, who called him “weak” and “terrible,” the Pope said he has “no fear” of political pressure and intends to keep addressing global conflicts, including the ongoing war in Iran.

“I don’t think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing. I will continue to speak out loudly against war,” he said.

The comments come after Trump posted an AI-generated image on his Truth Social account showing himself dressed in religious-style robes performing a healing gesture, with the US flag visible in the background.

The exchange highlights rising tension between the Vatican and the US president over public criticism of war and the role of religious messaging in political debate.