From NPR.

Pope Leo, the first American pope, has responded to a direct personal attack by President Trump, saying he’ll continue to speak out against war and promote peace.

Leo spoke with reporters after Trump attacked him in a lengthy social media post and then in comments to journalists on Sunday night, saying said Leo is “terrible” on foreign policy and that he’s “not a fan” of this first American pope. Leo has been an outspoken critic of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. In an appeal for peace this weekend, he decried what he called the "madness of war.”

Responding to Trump’s comments ahead of the start of an 11-day tour of four African countries, Leo said he didn’t want to enter into a debate with the president. He did say, though, that he felt the Christian message was being "abused."  And he said that “Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there’s a better way.”

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Read "Pope Leo says he does not fear Trump, as he pushes back in feud over Iran war" at https://www.npr.org/2026/04/13/nx-s1-5783008/trump-pope-leo

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