The pontiff added, “To put my message on the same plane as what the president is attempting to do here is not understanding what the message of the gospel is, and I’m sorry to hear that, but I will continue on what I believe is the mission of the church.”
Trump blasted Leo on Monday, accusing him of being “WEAK on Crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy” in a Truth Social post that underscores a widening rift between the White House and the Vatican.
In his remarks Monday, the pontiff dismissed Trump’s criticism and said, “I have no intention of having a debate with him.”
Senior Italian politicians, for whom Catholics are a key constituency, indirectly backed the pope on Monday, as the diplomatic furor escalates.
“May the ministry of the Holy Father help foster the resolution of conflicts and the return of peace, both within and among Nations, following the path laid out by his Predecessors, and provide support and comfort to the Christian communities he will have the opportunity to meet during the journey,” said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a statement published Monday.
“Best wishes to Pope Leo for his apostolic journey to Africa,” said Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. “I greatly appreciated his call for peace in Sudan. His authoritative words further encourage the Italian government’s commitment through humanitarian missions. Words that represent an important contribution to achieving a ceasefire and the end of the civil war after three years of harsh conflict.
“We accompany his mission with prayer,” Tajani added.
