Pope Leo XIV's Algeria Visit Sparks Political Controversy with Trump and French Right

Pope Leo XIV's recent visit to Algeria has generated significant political controversy, drawing criticism from both former U.S. President Donald Trump and the French political right. During his trip, the pontiff advocated for interfaith coexistence while simultaneously criticizing Trump's policies, particularly regarding the war against Iran and the harsh deportation practices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Trump responded by accusing the pope of pandering to "the left camp" and urged him to focus on church matters rather than politics. While traveling to Algeria, Leo XIV told journalists aboard his plane that he doesn't fear the U.S. president's hatred and will continue proclaiming the Gospel. The visit also angered French conservatives following President Emmanuel Macron's recognition of "Moroccanity." This marks a departure from the political restraint traditionally associated with previous papacies, as Leo XIV openly opposes both the Iran conflict and ICE's brutal deportation methods.