"Am not afraid of Trump admin": Pope Leo XIV shuns political feud to seek global peace

Pope Leo XIV on Monday made it clear that he intends to stay away from political confrontation including with the administration of Donald Trump and instead focus on promoting global peace and dialogue reported ANISpeaking to reporters aboard his flight to Algeria Pope Leo XIV emphasised that his role is rooted in faith not politics He stated that he has no intention of engaging in debates with political leaders adding that his mission is to advocate for peace and end ongoing conflicts worldwide reported ANIPope Rejects Political ConfrontationResponding to questions about tensions with the US administration Pope Leo XIV asserted that he is ldquonot a politicianrdquo and does not wish to enter into a debate with Donald Trump He maintained that his responsibility lies in conveying the message of the Gospel rather than participating in political disputes reported ANIHe further said that people can form their own opinions based on his words reiterating that his priority remains spiritual guidance and global harmonyEmphasis on Peace Dialogue and ReconciliationHe underlined his continued commitment to speaking out against war and promoting peace through multilateral dialogue He stressed the importance of building bridges between nations and communities noting that too many people across the world continue to suffer due to ongoing conflicts reported ANIHe reiterated that the Churchrsquos message is centred on peace famously referencing the principle that ldquoblessed are the peacemakersrdquo and said he would continue advocating reconciliation efforts at the global levelAfrican Visit Aimed at Interfaith EngagementDescribing his visit to Algeria as a ldquoblessingrdquo Pope Leo XIV said the trip is significant not only for him personally but also for the Church and the wider world He highlighted the importance of fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual respect especially in regions with diverse religious communities reported ANIThe Pope also referred to Saint Augustine a native of presentday Algeria calling him a symbolic bridge for interreligious understanding Notably Pope Leo XIV has previously identified himself as a spiritual follower of Saint Augustine reported ANIMission Focused on Fraternity in MuslimMajority NationThe visit marks the first phase of the Popersquos third international apostolic journey In Algeria where the Catholic population is small compared to the Muslim majority the Pontiffrsquos mission is expected to emphasise fraternity coexistence and dialogue among different faithsOfficials indicated that the 10day tour will focus on strengthening humanitarian and spiritual ties rather than engaging in political discourseUS Bishops Defend Pope Amid Political RemarksMeanwhile tensions in the United States have escalated following remarks by Donald Trump targeting the Popersquos views on foreign policy The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops USCCB responded by defending the PontiffIn a statement Archbishop Paul S Coakley president of the USCCB criticised the remarks as inappropriate and divisive stressing that the Pope should not be viewed through a political lens He described the Pontiff as the ldquoVicar of Christrdquo who speaks from the teachings of the Gospel reported ANIPope Maintains Focus on Global Peace MissionDespite the sharp rhetoric emerging from Washington Pope Leo XIV remains focused on his international mission He continues to advocate diplomacy humanitarian values and peaceful resolution of conflicts over military interventionHis remarks from the papal flight signal a clear intent to rise above political tensions and prioritise a message of unity reconciliation and enduring peace across nationsWith inputs from ANI