Pope calls for peace during Africa visit amid criticism from Trump

Pope Leo XIV is using his visit to Africa to deliver a message he says the world urgently needs to hear: peace and unity.

Speaking during his trip from Algeria to Cameroon, the pope emphasized the importance of coexistence among different cultures and religions, pointing to his visit to one of Africa’s largest mosques as a symbol of that message.

The remarks come as tensions escalate between the Vatican and President Donald Trump, who has criticized the pope’s stance on the war in Iran. The pope has openly questioned military actions in the region, positioning himself as a countervoice on the global stage.

Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, suggesting the pope should be cautious when speaking on theological matters, further fueling the back-and-forth between Washington and the Vatican.

Despite the criticism, the pope has shown no signs of backing down, saying he has “no fear” of political pressure. Instead, he is continuing to focus on promoting dialogue, understanding, and peace during his international visit.

While in Cameroon, the pope addressed ongoing conflict in the country and called on leaders to fight corruption and prioritize justice, saying lasting peace depends on fairness and accountability.

His trip also includes stops in Angola and Equatorial Guinea, where he is expected to continue delivering his message of unity during a time of global tension.

As geopolitical conflicts and political divisions continue to dominate headlines, the pope’s message is clear: the world needs to find common ground.

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