US Edition
Pope Leo downplays feud with Trump, says 'not in my interest' to debate him
The pope said his peace remarks were prepared weeks earlier and were not meant as a political challenge to the president.
- On Saturday, Pope Leo XIV told reporters aboard the papal plane that his recent remarks decrying a world "ravaged by a handful of tyrants" were not aimed at U.S. President Donald Trump, stating debating him is "not in my interest at all."
- The pontiff clarified that his speech, delivered Thursday in Bamenda, Cameroon, was written two weeks ago, long before President Trump criticized his peace preaching on Truth Social.
- Trump criticized the pope as "WEAK on Crime" and "terrible for Foreign Policy" on April 12, sparking media coverage; Leo told journalists the narrative "has not been accurate" regarding his tour's intent.
- Pope Leo stated he has "nothing to fear" from the administration and will continue preaching the Gospel message of peace, emphasizing his pastoral role to accompany Catholics throughout his 11-day Africa tour.
- He remains focused on promoting fraternity, justice, and peace across the continent, continuing his 10-day Africa tour after previously visiting Algeria to honor Saint Augustine.
282 Articles
282 Articles
Pope Leo Dismisses Media Narrative Of Rift With Trump
By Thomas Wong, Daily Caller News Foundation | April 19, 2026 Pope Leo XIV sought to correct a media narrative Saturday that he was criticizing President Donald Trump through various recent remarks advocating for peace. Traveling to Angola for the third leg of his apostolic visit to Africa—the third trip outside Italy since his pontificate began in May 2025—Leo greeted reporters aboard the papal plane and answered their questions.While the 10-da…
Herald-Banner
Did Pope Leo find his voice in Africa? Or did America and the world finally hear him
There is a case to be made that Pope Leo XIV found his voice on his epic trip through Africa. He has been blasting the “handful of tyrants” and “chains of corruption” that have held the continent hostage for centuries.…
Vance says he’s ‘grateful’ as Pope Leo clarifies remarks that triggered tensions with Trump
Pope Leo said on Saturday that he had no interest in a public dispute with the US administration. “It is not in my interest at all to debate the president,” he said, adding that his focus remains on “peace, justice and brotherhood.”
VP JD Vance Thanks Pope Leo XIV for Rejecting Media ‘Debate’ Narrative with Trump, 'He Will Be in Our Prayers, and I Hope That We’ll Be in His'
Vice President JD Vance publicly thanked Pope Leo XIV on Saturday after the first U.S.-born pontiff clarified that he has no interest in engaging in a public debate with President Donald Trump over the ongoing conflict with Iran.
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