Pope says he has "no fear of the Trump administration" after president lashes out

World Pope Leo says he has "no fear of the Trump administration" after Trump lashes out By Chris Livesay Chris Livesay Correspondent, Rome Chris Livesay is a CBS News foreign correspondent based in Rome. Read Full Bio Chris Livesay April 13, 2026 / 7:36 AM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Algiers — Pope Leo has responded to sharply-worded criticism from the President, saying he has "no fear of the Trump administration" and will continue to speak out "loudly" for the message of the Gospel.Late Sunday, Mr. Trump lashed out at the pontiff on social media, calling him "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.""I don't want a Pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon," he added.Leo had previously called Mr. Trump's threat to wipe out Iranian civilization "truly unacceptable" and encouraged people to contact "political leaders … to ask them, tell them to work for peace."Speaking to journalists Monday aboard the papal plane as he began a trip to Africa, Leo declined to address the president's post directly. "I am not a politician," he said. "I will leave that to the politicians."But he pushed back on the substance of Mr. Trump's criticism, warning against attempts to equate his message with political agendas, and hinting that the president did not understand the message of the Gospel.  Pope Leo XIV addresses journalists during the flight heading to Algiers on April 13, 2026.  Alberto PIZZOLI / POOL /AFP via Getty Images "To put my message on the same plane as what the president has attempted to do here is, I think, not understanding what the message of the Gospel is," he said. "I am sorry to hear that, but I will continue with what I believe is the mission of the Church in the world today." That mission, he said, is rooted in a consistent call for peace, one he insisted applies to all leaders, not just the United States."The message of the Gospel is very clear: 'Blessed are the peacemakers,'" Leo said, adding that he will...