POPE LEO XIV DISMISSES CLAIMS OF FEUD WITH TRUMP, REAFFIRMS MESSAGE OF PEACE
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Pope Leo XIV has dismissed suggestions of a dispute with US President Donald Trump, saying his recent comments were misinterpreted and not intended as a response to the American leader.
Speaking to journalists while en route to Angola, the Pope said his remarks about “tyrants” were prepared in advance of Trump’s criticism and were part of a broader message promoting peace. He stressed that he has no interest in engaging in political exchanges or public debates with the US President.
The Vatican leader noted that the reaction to his speech had been shaped more by commentary than by his actual words, adding that his focus remains on peacebuilding and dialogue.
The clarification comes after Trump criticised the Pope over his comments on global security issues, later repeating his stance on social media.