Mohammad Sıo
13 April 2026•Update: 13 April 2026
Pope Leo on Monday condemned violations of international law by “neocolonial” powers, in remarks delivered during a visit to Algeria, hours after criticism from US President Donald Trump.
Earlier, Trump launched a broad public attack on Pope Leo, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” while also questioning the circumstances of his election.
He also criticized the pope’s stance on international issues, including the war against Iran, and suggested that his leadership of the Catholic Church was politically motivated.
Speaking after talks with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the pope denounced breaches of international norms, without naming specific countries, during a speech on his first visit to the North African nation since the start of his papacy.
He thanked Tebboune for the invitation, describing the trip as part of the first year of his Petrine Ministry, and praised the Algerian people for their culture of reconciliation, solidarity and hospitality.
The visit, which is set to last three days, includes stops in Algiers and the eastern coastal province of Annaba, the birthplace of Saint Augustine, one of Christianity’s most influential thinkers.
Tebboune, speaking alongside the pope during a visit to the Grand Mosque of Algiers cultural center following bilateral talks at the presidential palace, described the visit as a “historic event” and welcomed the pontiff to “this good land that gave birth to Saint Augustine.”
He stressed Algeria’s commitment to dialogue, tolerance and coexistence, and called for justice for the Palestinian people.
The Algerian president said his country places strong emphasis on social justice, human dignity and the protection of rights.
The pope has repeatedly expressed solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, describing conditions there as “unacceptable” amid the ongoing Israeli genocide that began in October 2023.
