The statement from the plenary assembly of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP), concluding in Fatima, opens by noting the Pope’s apostolic journey to Africa, during which he delivered a clear message denouncing corruption and appealing for peace in regions facing violence and injustice.

Building on this, the assembly emphasises its full communion and solidarity with the Holy Father, welcoming his courageous role as a pilgrim of peace promoting justice and human dignity amid global tensions and misunderstandings, according to the statement read by Secretary Father Manuel Barbosa.

The Portuguese Catholic Church further underscores that the Pope, speaking with the authority of the Gospel, invites everyone—believers and non-believers alike—to engage in dialogue, reconciliation, and fraternity.

Meanwhile, the President of the United States criticised the Pope’s approach to foreign policy, referencing his stance on Iran and Venezuela, and urged him to refrain from aligning with the radical left.

Echoing these criticisms, Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social network, urging the Pope to focus on leadership rather than politics and claiming his approach harms the Catholic Church.

“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. I don’t want a Pope who considers it terrible that the United States attacked Venezuela (...). And I don’t want a Pope who criticises the President of the United States when I am doing exactly what I was elected to do,” he declared.

On the same day, Leo XIV declared that he was “not afraid” of the American government and felt “a moral duty” to speak out in favour of peace.

On the plane that was taking him from Rome to Algiers, the first stop on an 11-day trip through four African countries, the religious leader added to the journalists accompanying him that he had “no intention of entering into a debate” with Donald Trump.

“I am not afraid, neither of the Trump administration, nor of speaking loudly and clearly about the message of the Gospel,” said Leo XIV, adding that his message “is always the same, to promote peace.”

Leo XIV also said that "the Church has a moral duty to speak out very clearly against war," emphasising the importance of returning to the path of diplomacy.