Pope Leo XIV told journalists flying with him from Algeria to Cameroon on Wednesday that the message “the world needs to hear today” is one of peace and dialogue.
The leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics has come under attack from US President Donald Trump, who has aggressively attacked Leo in several social media posts and public statements.
Trump’s anger has been fueled by Leo’s blunt criticism of wars, particularly US-led wars – and most recently his attack on Iran.
The Pope did not answer questions on Wednesday nor make any mention of Trump. In addition to the President, Vice President J.D. Vance, who recently converted to Catholicism, has also continued his hostility toward Leo and publicly defended Trump in the latest feud.
Leo has said he is a man of faith, not a politician, adding that he has no desire to “debate” the President.
In Algeria, Leo visited the ancient house of St. Augustine and spoke about the great theologian and philosopher’s message of “unity among all peoples and respect for all people despite their differences.”
He further cited Augustine’s role in modern, Muslim-majority Algeria, saying that all respect him as “one of the great sons of his country”, a potential bridge between Christians and Muslims.
Speaking about his visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers, Leo said, “I think the visit to the mosque was important to say that although we have different beliefs, our ways of worship are different, our ways of living are different, we can live together in peace.”
“And so I think promoting that kind of image is something the world needs to hear today.”