Pope Leo has dismissed claims that his recent criticism of “tyrants” was directed at Donald Trump, insisting the speech was not intended as a response to the American leader.
Speaking to journalists aboard a flight to Angola on Saturday, the pontiff explained that the address had been prepared weeks earlier, long before Trump publicly criticised him. He stressed that engaging in a back-and-forth with the U.S. president was not his intention.
The clarification follows a tense exchange earlier in the week after Trump described the Pope as “terrible for foreign policy,” reacting to the cleric’s outspoken stance on global conflicts, including concerns about military actions involving the United States and Israel in Iran.
Pope Leo noted that his remarks had been misinterpreted due to a “certain narrative” shaped by the political climate surrounding Trump’s comments. He suggested that the timing of events led to an inaccurate assumption that he was directly addressing the former president.
Responding to the Pope’s clarification, JD Vance welcomed the statement, saying he appreciated the effort to ease tensions. Vance, a Catholic convert, also acknowledged that while disagreements may arise, public narratives often exaggerate conflicts.
Earlier, Vance had advised the Vatican to focus on moral issues rather than political debates.
During a speech in Cameroon, the Pope criticised global leaders who allocate vast sums to warfare while neglecting investment in education, healthcare, and rebuilding efforts. He warned against what he described as a destructive cycle of violence and instability, particularly in regions affected by prolonged conflict.
He also spoke out against the ongoing unrest in parts of Cameroon, describing the area as “bloodstained” after nearly a decade of insurgency.
Although some interpreted the remarks as aimed at Trump, the former president maintained that the Pope was entitled to his views, even as he reiterated his disagreement.
Pope Leo’s ongoing African tour spans 11 cities across four countries and highlights the continent’s growing significance within the Catholic Church, with Africa now home to more than 288 million Catholics worldwide.
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