Pope Leo criticised violations of ​international law by ‘neocolonial’ world ‌powers in a forceful speech on Monday ​during an Africa ​tour, hours after US ⁠President Donald Trump’s direct ​attack on the ​leader of the 1.4-billion-member Church.

The first US pope urged ​leaders in Algeria ​on the first day of ‌a ⁠four-nation tour to build a society based on principles of justice ​and ​solidarity.

“Today, ⁠this is more urgent than ever ​in the face ​of ⁠continuous violations of international law and neocolonial ⁠tendencies,” ​Leo said.

Earlier, Pope Leo told Reuters that ‌he plans to continue speaking out against war after US President Donald Trump’s direct attack.

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.”