Pope Leo XIV has responded to criticism from the president of the United States, Donald Trump, ensuring that he does not fear his administration and reclaiming his role as a moral voice in the face of conflicts.
“I am not afraid of the Trump administration or of raising my voice to proclaim the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do,” said the pontiff, emphasizing that the Church does not act as a political actor but as “an architect of peace.”
The clash between the two comes after Trump’s reproaches, who described the pope as being “terrible in foreign policy” and accused him of “indulging the radical left,” in a context marked by differences over the war in Iran and the situation in Venezuela.
Leo XIV has insisted that his position is based on the Gospel: “We are not politicians. We do not treat foreign policy with the same perspective, but we believe in the message of peace.” Furthermore, he recalled that the Church has the “moral obligation” to take a stand against war.
Sánchez comes out in defense of the Pope
From China, where he is on an official trip, the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has publicly supported the pontiff against Trump’s attacks.
“While some sow the world with wars, Leo XIV sows peace, with bravery and courage,” he wrote in a message on the social network X.
The Chief Executive has also added that “he who sows winds reaps storms”, in a clear allusion to the criticism of the US president.
Sánchez has also taken the opportunity to highlight that it will be an “honor” to receive the Pope in Spain next June, on a trip in which Leo XIV will visit Madrid, Barcelona, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Support from Feijóo
Support for the pope has not been exclusive to the Government. The leader of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has also defended the figure of Leo XIV as “a reference for Catholics” who “must be listened to and respected”, stressing that Christianity is “an ethical and moral beacon for millions of people.”
