US President Donald Trump has slammed the Pope over his calls for peace and criticism of the US war against Iran.
Published April 15, 2026
Pope Leo
The first American pope arrived in Cameroon on Wednesday, slamming the “whims of the rich and powerful” and appealing for peace in a country roiled by sectarian violence.
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“The time has come to examine our conscience and move forward boldly,” Leo said in a speech before President Paul Biya, who has led Cameroon since 1982.
“For peace and justice to prevail, we must break the chains of corruption that undermine authority and rob it of its credibility,” he added.
Pope Leo is in Cameroon as part of a 10-day tour of Africa, where he continues to deliver an outspoken message of peace, anti-corruption and social justice. He arrived after visiting Algeria, the first stop on the trip.
The Pope’s three-day visit to Cameroon is expected to include a “peace rally” in the northwestern city of Bamenda, which is embroiled in fighting with separatist forces, which have announced a three-day cessation of hostilities during the Pope’s visit.
The Catholic leader’s outspoken positions on issues such as the rights and dignity of immigrants and criticism of the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran have put him at odds with the Trump administration.
The Pope said Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian civilization was “truly unacceptable,” and US Vice President J.D. Vance, who converted to Catholicism, recently said the Pope should be “careful” when talking about theology.
Trump himself slammed the Catholic Church’s leaders in a series of social media posts, accusing them of being “soft on crime” and too close to the political left.
The US president’s attacks on the Pope have caused frustration among some religious supporters. President Trump also faced backlash for sharing a since-deleted image on social media depicting himself as Jesus Christ.
Pope Leo responded diplomatically and firmly to these attacks, saying he was “not afraid” of the Trump administration and would continue to advocate for peace and criticism of war.
Referring to his visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers in Algeria earlier this week, the Pope said a message of tolerance and unity was needed in a world plagued by conflict.
“I think the visit to the mosque was meant to convey that even though we have different beliefs, different ways of worship, different ways of life, we can live together in peace,” he said.
“So I think promoting that kind of image is something the world needs to hear today.”
