Pope Leo XIV told Reuters that he "is not afraid and will continue to speak out against the war," following a direct attack by U.S. President Donald Trump on the leader of the Church with 1.4 billion Catholic followers. In comments given on the papal plane during the flight to Algeria, where the Pope is beginning a 10-day tour of four African countries, he also stated that the Christian message is being "misused." "I do not want to enter into a debate with him," Pope Leo told Reuters. "The message is always the same: peace. And I say this to all world leaders: let us try to put an end to this war. I do not think the message of the Gospel is meant to be misused in the way some people are doing."