Pope says he will continue to speak out against war after Trump attack

Pope Leo told Reuters on Monday that he plans ​to continue speaking out against war after U.S. President Donald Trump'sdirect ‌attack on the leader of the 1.4-billion-member Church.

"I don't want to get into a debate with ⁠him," Leo told Reuters as he greeted journalists on the plane. "I don't ​think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused ​in the way that some people are doing."

"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, speaking ​on English.

"Too many people are suffering in the world today," said Leo. "Too many innocent ‌people ⁠are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there's a better way."
"The message of the church, my message, the message of the Gospel: Blessed are the Peacemakers. I do ​not look at ​my role as ⁠being political, a politician," he said.