Pope Leo XIV in Algeria responds to Trump's criticism during historic African tour

Pope Leo XIV, currently on a historic visit to Algeria, addressed criticisms from former US President Donald Trump regarding the pontiff's stance against war. During his 11-day African tour, the Pope stated he is not afraid of the US administration and reaffirmed the Church's commitment to peace. Trump had previously criticized the Pope, accusing him of supporting Iran's nuclear program, opposing a US military operation in Venezuela, and meeting with supporters of former President Barack Obama. Trump reiterated his criticisms, calling Leo XIV "very weak." In response, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the Church's moral duty to speak out against war and promote peace, stating, "I am not afraid, neither of the Trump administration, nor of speaking out loud about the message of the Gospel." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Italian and American bishops, and Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian all expressed support for the Pope. In Algeria, Pope Leo XIV honored victims of the independence war at the Martyrs' Monument, calling for reconciliation through forgiveness. He also urged Algerian leaders to avoid dominating the people and to foster a vibrant civil society. The Pope visited the Great Mosque of Algiers and the Notre-Dame d'Afrique Basilica, emphasizing interreligious dialogue. He also privately prayed at the chapel of the 19 martyrs of Algeria. This visit marks the beginning of the 70-year-old Pope's first major international tour, which will also include Cameroon, Angola, and