Pope Leo has vowed to continue speaking out against war despite criticism from US President Donald Trump.
The pontiff made the remarks on Monday aboard the papal flight to Algiers, where he began a 10-day tour of four African countries.
"I don’t want to get into a debate with him. I don’t think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing,” Leo told Reuters.
The pope emphasised that his role is to defend peace and dialogue.
“I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems,” he said.
He added that the Christian message was being “abused” by some political actors, but insisted that the Church must remain a voice for reconciliation.
Trump’s direct attack on the leader of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church came amid the conflict in Iran.
Pope Leo, the first US-born pontiff, has repeatedly condemned violence and called for multilateral cooperation.
The Pope, considered the utmost moral authority in international affairs, even when challenged by political leaders, usually leans heavily towards peace, no matter the circumstance.
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