Pope responds to criticism from Trump

Pope Leo XIV has responded to criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump.

This was reported on Tuesday by the Vatican News portal.

"The mission of the Catholic Church is to proclaim the Gospel, to preach peace. If someone wants to criticize me for proclaiming the Gospel, let them do so truthfully. <...> I simply hope that I will be heard," the portal quoted him as saying.

Earlier, Leo XIV delivered strong anti-war sermons, which were perceived as criticism of the U.S. administration for its actions in the Middle East. On April 13, U.S. President Donald Trump, following another statement by the pontiff, wrote on Truth Social that "this pope is weak on issues of crime and foreign policy." Trump claimed that if it were not for his presidency, an American would not have been elected Pope.

The pontiff subsequently stated that he does not intend to engage in a discussion with the American leader and will continue to condemn war.