Pope Leo XIV and President Donald Trump have engaged in an unprecedented public exchange of criticism during the pontiff's ongoing 11-day apostolic journey to Africa, marking a rare diplomatic spat between an American president and the first American pope.

The dispute began when Pope Leo called for peace regarding the Iran conflict and described Trump's threats to "annihilate Iranian civilization" as "truly unacceptable." Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, accusing the pope of being "soft on crime" and "cozy with the left," while claiming Leo owed his papacy to Trump's influence.

Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, subsequently suggested that Pope Leo "be careful" when speaking about theological matters, adding another voice to the criticism from the Trump administration.

During his flight from Rome to Algiers on April 13, Pope Leo addressed the controversy directly with traveling journalists, stating he was "merely preaching the Gospel" when calling for peace and that he did not fear the Trump administration. The pope emphasized his commitment to his spiritual message despite the political pressure.

On Wednesday, during the second leg of his trip from Algiers to Yaounde, Cameroon, Pope Leo did not take questions from reporters but made remarks that appeared to indirectly address the ongoing dispute. Speaking exclusively in English, he emphasized themes of peace, unity, and bridge-building, referencing his visit to Algeria's Great Mosque as an example of how people with different beliefs can "live together in peace."

The exchange has drawn attention to questions about the relationship between religious authority and political power, as well as the application of just war doctrine in contemporary conflicts. The pope's Africa trip continues as the diplomatic tension with Washington persists.