Pope Leo told Reuters on Monday that ‌he plans to continue speaking out against war after US President Donald Trump’s direct attack on ​the leader of the 1.4-billion-member Church.

In ​comments aboard the papal flight to Algiers, ⁠where the first US pope is ​starting a 10-day tour to four African countries, ​the pontiff also said the Christian message was being “abused”.

“I don’t want to get into a debate ​with him,” Leo told Reuters. “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 in 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.”