Pope Leo called for peace and coexistence on Wednesday as U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his public criticism, deepening a growing dispute tied to the ongoing war involving Iran.
Speaking aboard a papal flight from Algeria to Cameroon, the pontiff emphasized the need for unity across religious and cultural divides during his Africa tour.
He pointed to his visit to predominantly Muslim Algeria as an example of peaceful coexistence among different communities.
"Although we have different beliefs, we have different ways of worshipping, we have different ways of living, we can live together in peace," he said.
The remarks came after Trump launched a second round of attacks on the pope via social media, criticizing his stance on the Iran conflict.
In a post, Trump wrote: “Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a Nuclear Bomb is absolutely unacceptable.”
The president has repeatedly accused allies, including NATO members, of failing to support the war effort.
The pope, who has increasingly spoken out against the conflict, has pledged to continue his criticism despite the backlash.
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, urging caution from the pontiff when discussing theological aspects of geopolitical issues.
The exchange has drawn responses from political and religious figures across multiple countries.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Trump’s remarks as unacceptable and expressed solidarity with the pope.
Iran’s president condemned the criticism as an insult and voiced support for the pontiff.
Within the United States, reactions have also emerged from across the political spectrum, including criticism from some of Trump’s allies.
The dispute has unfolded alongside controversy over an AI-generated image shared by Trump, which drew backlash before being removed.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo continued his Africa tour, arriving in Cameroon where he is expected to meet national leaders and address ongoing regional conflicts.
Separatist groups in Cameroon announced a temporary safe passage to facilitate the visit, underscoring the broader significance of the trip.
The pope’s itinerary spans multiple countries and is seen as one of the most complex papal tours in recent decades.