Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf commended Pope Leo XIV for his strong stance against war and violence, praising the pontiff’s moral position in condemning the killing of civilians. Qalibaf lauded the Pope’s fearless slogan, “I have no fear,” as an inspiration for those opposing alleged war atrocities linked to Israel and the United States. In a social media post, Qalibaf expressed admiration for Pope Leo’s unwavering stance and credited the slogan for guiding those who refuse to ignore the harm done to innocent lives.
The Iranian official’s remarks come in response to recent statements by Pope Leo, who reiterated his dedication to peace and clarified his non-involvement in political disputes with the United States. During a press interaction en route to Algeria, the Pope emphasized his non-political role and disinterest in engaging in debates with US President Donald Trump, highlighting his focus on preaching the Gospel rather than political matters.
Pope Leo reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for peace and facilitating dialogue among nations to address conflicts, emphasizing his role as a peacemaker rooted in Gospel teachings. He distanced himself from political engagements, underscoring the importance of promoting peace amid global suffering. The Pope’s comments came shortly after Donald Trump criticized him on social media platform Truth Social, branding him as weak on crime and foreign policy matters.
Trump’s remarks on social media targeted Pope Leo, suggesting that the pontiff’s appointment was influenced by American interests to counter Trump’s influence. The former president claimed that without his tenure in the White House, Pope Leo would not have assumed his position in the Vatican.