Pope Leo XIV has reiterated his message of peace and unity as tensions continue between the Vatican and the Trump administration over the war in Iran. Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane en route to Cameroon on Wednesday, the pontiff did not directly address recent insults from US President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance, but his comments made clear the dispute was on his mind.
The row began on Saturday when Pope Leo described a 'delusion of omnipotence' surrounding the Iran war during evening prayers at St Peter's Basilica. Since then, Trump has labelled the pope 'weak' and 'terrible' on social media, while Vance, a Catholic convert, advised Leo to 'stick to matters of morality' and questioned his theological accuracy.
On Tuesday, Vance insinuated the pope did not understand the concept of war, asking whether God was on the side of Americans who liberated Holocaust camps. 'It’s very, very important for the pope to be careful when he talks about matters of theology,' Vance said at a Turning Point USA event.
Pope Leo used his visit to Annaba, the ancient city of Hippo where St Augustine lived as a bishop, to promote a vision of unity. 'His invitation to search for God and to search for truth is something that is very much needed today,' Leo said. The pope emphasised that dialogue and healing, rather than force and hatred, are essential in resolving conflict.
Leo also highlighted the respect shown by Algerian Muslims for St Augustine, saying such attitudes help build bridges between Christians and Muslims. 'We can live together in peace,' he said, adding that promoting such an image is 'something which the world needs to hear today.'
