Pope Leo condemns ‘neocolonial’ powers amid Trump row on Africa tour

Pope urges nations to build societies grounded in justice and solidarity, warning against domination by powerful states and organisations    

ALGIERS: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-April 13rd, 2026) Pope Leo has strongly criticised violations of international law by what he described as “neocolonial” global powers during a speech on Monday in Algeria, marking the first leg of his four-nation Africa tour.

Addressing political leaders in Algiers, the Pope urged nations to build societies grounded in justice and solidarity, warning against domination by powerful states and organisations.

“The future belongs to those who do not allow themselves to be blinded by power or wealth,” said Pope Leo, the first US-born pontiff. “Africa knows all too well that people and organisations that dominate others destroy the world.”

Without naming any country, he condemned what he called ongoing violations of international law and cautioned against rising “neocolonial tendencies,” stating that such practices threaten global stability.

The remarks came hours after US President Donald Trump reportedly described the Pope as “terrible” following earlier comments by the pontiff criticising war and immigration policies. The statement triggered reactions from American Catholics.

Speaking to Reuters aboard the papal flight from Rome to Algiers, Pope Leo said he would continue to speak out against war despite political criticism.

“I don’t want to get into a debate with him,” he said. “I will continue to speak out loudly against war, promoting peace, dialogue and multilateral relations.”

The 70-year-old pontiff is undertaking one of the most extensive foreign visits of his papacy, covering 11 cities and towns across Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, with nearly 18,000 kilometres of travel planned across 18 flights.

According to Vatican officials, the visit is aimed at drawing global attention to Africa, where more than 20 percent of the world’s Catholics reside. While Algeria is predominantly Muslim with a small Catholic population of under 10,000, the sub-Saharan countries on the itinerary have large Catholic communities.

Pope Leo is expected to deliver around 25 speeches during the 10-day tour, addressing issues including international law, natural resource exploitation, interfaith dialogue and political corruption. In Cameroon, a major public mass is expected to draw nearly 600,000 people.

Later on Monday, the Pope is scheduled to visit the Great Mosque of Algiers, marking only his second mosque visit as pontiff, before travelling to the ancient ruins of Hippo in Annaba on Tuesday.