'Not in my interest at all': Pope Leo XIV shuts down Trump clash mid-Africa flight

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE: Pope Leo XIV on Saturday, April 18, said he has no intention of engaging in a public debate with President Donald Trump over the Iran conflict, stating that such an exchange is “not in my interest at all.”

Speaking to reporters aboard a papal flight from Cameroon to Angola, the pontiff addressed recent criticism from Trump regarding his calls for peace.

The Vatican had earlier reiterated that the pope’s appeals for peace applied broadly to conflicts worldwide, rather than focusing on a single geopolitical situation. Leo has consistently called for dialogue and has criticized the use of religion to justify war.

Pope Leo clarifies stance and rejects narrative of political dispute

Speaking during his 11-day visit to Africa, Pope Leo XIV addressed what he described as mischaracterizations of his recent comments on war and peace.

He said that public discourse surrounding his remarks had been shaped by inaccurate interpretations and reactions to reactions.

“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 me,” he said.

He added, “Much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said.”

The pope stressed that his statements were not directed at any individual leader, including Trump, but were instead part of a consistent message rooted in the Gospel.

Referring to remarks he had delivered earlier at a peace meeting in Bamenda, Cameroon, Leo noted that the speech had been prepared well before the current controversy.

“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 said.

Trump's criticism and broader context of peace message

The exchange follows criticism from President Trump, who used his social media platform to challenge the pope’s stance.

Trump accused Leo of being politically biased and suggested that his election as the first American pontiff was linked to US politics.

The comments came as the Iran conflict, which began with joint US-Israeli strikes in February and subsequent Iranian retaliation, continued to escalate.

Leo had previously condemned rhetoric tied to the conflict, including describing threats to “annihilate” Iranian civilization as “truly unacceptable.”

However, he reiterated that his focus remains on promoting peace rather than engaging in political disputes.

“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 said.

He added that his mission includes promoting “justice in our world” and efforts to “promote peace in our world.”

The pope also highlighted the broader global context, noting that conflicts in multiple regions, including Africa and Eastern Europe, require attention.

He referenced the ongoing separatist conflict in Cameroon’s Anglophone region as an example of the type of violence his message sought to address.