The Digester
religion

Pope Leo XIV says he is not afraid of Trump and will not respond to criticisms

Aboard the flight to Algeria the pontiff said he is not afraid of the Trump administration and will not answer personal attacks, while pressing for ceasefires in Lebanon and dialogue in Sudan as he prepares for a major African visit.

Apr 13th 2026 · United States

Insights

  • The pontiff, an American citizen, told journalists aboard the papal plane to Algeria that he will not rebut former president Donald Trump.
  • He said he will continue preaching the Gospel and urging people to build bridges of peace and avoid war when possible.
  • The pope called for a ceasefire in Lebanon and urged parties in Sudan to begin sincere dialogue ahead of a 10-day African trip.
  • Donald Trump attacked the pope on Truth Social, accused him of weak foreign policy, and posted an AI image showing Trump in papal robes.
  • There is no record that the pope has endorsed Iran having a nuclear weapon, contrary to a claim in Trump’s posts.

Sources