Regarding President Trump's personal attacks on him, Pope Leo told reporters aboard the papal aircraft en route to Algeria:

"I am not afraid of the Trump administration, nor do I fear speaking boldly about the message of the Gospel. This is precisely what I believe I am here to do, and it is the very purpose of the Church. We are not political figures. Our perspective on foreign policy differs from what he might understand, but I truly believe in the message of the Gospel as a champion of peace."

This statement can be interpreted as a "non-confrontational response" by Pope Leo, acting in his capacity as a religious leader, to Trump's personal attacks. Key points include:

* Clear boundary-setting: Emphasizing that he “is not a political figure,” and will not engage in the kind of political confrontation typical of Trump. Yet he also stresses that the Church’s mission—its “message of the Gospel” and “advocacy for peace”—transcends partisan politics and will not yield under any governmental pressure.

* Rejecting Trump’s cognitive framework: Suggesting that Trump views everything through the lens of politics or power struggles, whereas the Church’s “foreign policy perspective” is grounded in morality, peace, and human dignity—entirely different from Trump’s transactional or power-based logic.

* A stance that is firm yet gentle: “I am not afraid” serves both as a direct reply to Trump’s attacks and as a declaration that the Pope will not alter his itinerary or statements. The timing—making this statement specifically aboard the flight to Algeria—highlights how the visit itself embodies the role of a “peace apostle.”

* Potential historical resonance: During Trump’s first term, there were public disagreements between him and the Pope over issues such as immigration, climate change, and arms control. While the specific reason for this latest “personal attack” is not detailed in the excerpt, the Pope reaffirming Gospel values can be seen as a consistent reaffirmation of long-standing principles rather than an impromptu retaliation.

In sum, this statement is not a political declaration of war, but rather a position articulated through religious language: the Church will not respond to political provocation, but will continue walking its own path.

Trump, deeply entangled in multiple crises, seems to have lost his composure—now even targeting the Pope, making him a subject of his attacks. In his words, he explicitly stated that if not for him, Pope Leo would not be the current pope, implying that the Pope should be grateful and refrain from opposing him.

The Pope’s remarks left the president looking foolish. [Facepalm]

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862359631308876/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.