Pope Declares ‘Debating Trump Not My Concern’ While Advocating for Global Peace

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — Pope Leo XIV made it clear on Saturday that engaging in a debate with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing Iran war is “not in my interest at all.” Instead, he reaffirmed his dedication to spreading the Gospel message of peace.

During a flight from Cameroon to Angola, Leo addressed reporters, shedding light on the recent back-and-forth exchanges between himself and Trump, which have captured media attention this week. The American pontiff clarified that his messages of peace are not aimed at Trump specifically but are rooted in a broader call for harmony.

“There’s been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects,” Leo stated, referencing the political climate that intensified following Trump’s comments on the first day of his trip. “Much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said.”

Trump's criticisms surfaced on his social media platform Truth Social on April 12, where he condemned Leo’s peace advocacy amidst the ongoing conflict that erupted after U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, followed by Iran's retaliation. The former president accused Leo of being lenient on crime and suggested that his election as the first American pope was a result of Trump's influence.

In response, Leo has consistently called for peace and dialogue, denouncing the use of religious rhetoric to justify warfare. He labeled Trump’s threats against Iranian civilization as “truly unacceptable.”

The Vatican emphasized that Leo’s calls for peace encompass all global conflicts, not solely the situation in Iran. For instance, the Russian Orthodox Church has framed Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine as a “holy war,” which contradicts Leo's stance.

On Saturday, Leo highlighted his earlier remarks made at a peace meeting in Bamenda, Cameroon, a city embroiled in a separatist conflict for nearly a decade. He noted that his comments condemning “a handful of tyrants” responsible for global turmoil were penned two weeks prior to Trump’s criticisms.

“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,” he remarked.

Looking forward, Leo expressed his commitment to continue preaching the Gospel. “I primarily come to Africa as a pastor, as the head of the Catholic Church to be with, to celebrate with, to encourage and accompany all the Catholics throughout Africa,” he stated.

He also pointed out upcoming liturgical readings that emphasize Christian values such as fraternity and brotherhood while seeking avenues to foster justice and peace globally.