Pope Leo responds to Trump’s criticism and insists: “I will continue to raise my voice against war”

Pope Leo told Reuters that he intends to continue opposing war, after the leader of the Church, which has 1.4 billion followers, came under direct criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking aboard the papal plane bound for Algeria, where the first American pope is beginning a 10-day tour covering four African countries, the pope also said that the Christian message is being “misused.”

He told Reuters: “I do not want to enter into a dispute with him... I believe the message of the Gospel should not be misused in the way some are doing.”

He added: “I will continue to raise my voice loudly against war, seeking to promote peace, dialogue, and multilateral relations among states in order to find just solutions to problems.”

Pope Leo noted that “many people are suffering in the world today... many innocent people are being killed,” saying: “I believe someone must stand up and say that there is a better way.”