Pope Leo XIV Says Debate With Trump Is ‘Not in My Interest at All’

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — Pope Leo XIV arrived in Angola after a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Cameroon on April 18, using the short journey to reject suggestions that his recent remarks about war were aimed at U. S.

President Donald Trump while reflecting on the pastoral focus of his African trip.

In a brief in-flight press conference with journalists, the Pope addressed the interpretation of some of his recent speeches as a response to criticism from Trump, who had accused him of weakness in foreign policy.

“[T]hereʼs been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects, but because of the political situation created when, on the first day of the trip, the president of the United States made some comments about myself,” the Pope said.

“Much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said. ” He pointed in particular to his address at the April 16 prayer meeting for peace in Cameroon.

“Just one little example: The talk that I gave at the prayer meeting for peace a couple days ago was prepared two weeks ago, well before the president ever commented on myself and on the message of peace that I am promoting,” he said.

“And yet, as it happens, it was looked at as if I was trying to debate again the president, which is not in my interest at all. ” Leo XIV said he intends instead to continue proclaiming the Gospel and promoting peace.

“So we go on the journey; we continue proclaiming the Gospel message,” he said. He added that the liturgies during the trip have highlighted what it means to follow Christ, promote fraternity, and seek justice and peace.