Pope Leo Declines Debate with Trump Amid Controversial Remarks

Pope Leo firmly stated it was “not in my interest at all” to engage in a debate with President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran, emphasizing his commitment to preaching the gospel instead.

While traveling through Angola during his 11-day African tour, Leo remarked, “There’s 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,” he told reporters from The Associated Press.

His comments came in response to a series of posts on Truth Social where Trump labeled the American-born pope as “WEAK,” accused him of “catering to the Radical Left” regarding crime, and falsely asserted that Leo desires a nuclear-armed Iran.

“I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. I’m not a fan of Pope Leo,” Trump stated, further escalating tensions.

Throughout his papacy, Leo has consistently advocated for peace and dialogue, condemning the use of religious rhetoric to justify warfare. He specifically criticized Trump’s threats against Iran as “truly unacceptable,” asserting he is unafraid of the Trump administration's stance.

In a recent address, Leo also countered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s call for Americans to pray for U.S. victory in Iran “in the name of Jesus Christ.”

During his visit to Cameroon, the Pope expressed concern over global suffering caused by “tyrants” and warmongers. While many interpreted these remarks as a critique of Trump and U.S. military actions in Iran, Leo clarified that he had penned those words 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,” Leo reiterated. “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.”

In the midst of his attacks on Leo, Trump sparked further outrage among Christians by sharing an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus healing a sick man on Truth Social. The post was later deleted, with Trump claiming he believed it portrayed him as a doctor.

“I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor, and had to do with Red Cross, as a Red Cross worker there, which we support,” Trump explained. “It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better. And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.”

In response to the backlash, Trump’s officials rallied to defend him, including Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019. Vance suggested that Leo should “stick to matters of morality” and refrain from political involvement.

The White House has been approached for comment regarding these unfolding events.