Aboard the papal flight to Algeria, Leo said he is not a politician and will continue to preach the Gospel\u2019s call for peace and multilateral dialogue.<\/p>\n
ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT \u2014 Pope Leo XIV said Monday that he will continue to speak out \u201cloudly\u201d against war, stressing that his role is to preach the Gospel, not to enter into political disputes.<\/p>\n
Speaking to journalists aboard the papal flight to Algiers on April 13, the pope responded to a question about a post by U.S. President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think people who read it will be able to draw their own conclusions. I am not a politician, and I have no intention of entering into a debate with him,\u201d Leo said.<\/p>\n
The pope said he would remain outspoken in condemning war and promoting peace.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have no fear of the Trump administration nor of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel,\u201d he said in comments to a different journalist. \u201cThat\u2019s what I believe I am called to do and what the Church is called to do. We\u02bcre not politicians. We\u02bcre not looking to make foreign policy, as [Trump] calls it, with the same perspective that he might understand it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I do believe that the message of the Gospel, \u2018blessed are the peacemakers,\u2019 is a message that the world needs to hear today.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope also reflected on the meaning of his trip to Algeria, describing it as both a personal blessing and an important opportunity for the Church and the wider world.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs you know, I am very happy to visit once again the land of St. Augustine,\u201d he said. He noted that the saint offers \u201ca very important bridge in interreligious dialogue\u201d and remains deeply loved in his homeland.<\/p>\n
Leo said the visit would allow him to see the places associated with the life of St. Augustine, including the places where he served as bishop.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday is truly a blessing for me personally, but I believe also for the Church and for the world, because we must always seek bridges in order to build peace and reconciliation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The trip, he added, is \u201ca most precious opportunity\u201d to continue proclaiming the same message with the same voice: \u201cWe want to promote peace, reconciliation, and respect and consideration for all peoples.\u201d<\/p>\n
He concluded by thanking the journalists traveling with him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWelcome, everyone. I am happy to greet you,\u201d the pope said. \u201cHave a good trip, and thank you for the service you offer to all the people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Acest articol a fost publicat ini\u021bial de ACI Stampa, serviciul de limb\u0103 italian\u0103 al EWTN News. Ea a fost tradus\u0103 \u0219i adaptat\u0103 de EWTN News English.<\/p>\n
Correction: Quotations attributed to Pope Leo XIV in this article have been revised based on audio recordings of his comments.<\/p>\n