James O'Reilly
After departing for Africa and greeting the press on the plane, Pope Leo XIV worked his way down the line of journalists. Given U.S. President Trump's recent claims on social media, it was expected that Pope Leo would comment on the matter.
POPE LEO XIV
The things that I say are certainly not meant as attacks on anyone and the message of the Gospel is very clear, blessed are the peacemakers. I will not shy away from announcing the message of the Gospel. I'll be inviting all people to look for ways of building bridges for peace and reconciliation, of looking for ways to avoid war anytime that's possible to put my message on the same plane as what the President has attempted to do here, I think, is not understanding what the message of the Gospel is. And I'm sorry to hear that, but I will continue on what I believe is the mission of the church in the world today.
Pope Leo was unequivocal, and further stated that he is not afraid of the Trump administration and will continue to announce the Gospel.
