'No interest in debate' Pope Leo refuses to engage Trump, sticks to peace message

Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has said he has no intention of engaging in a debate with United States President Donald Trump over the ongoing Iran conflict, emphasising instead that his focus remains on spreading the Gospel’s message of peace.

“Not in my interest” to debate

Speaking to reporters aboard the papal aircraft travelling from Cameroon to Angola, Leo addressed the ongoing exchange of remarks linked to Trump’s criticism of his stance on peace.

“It is not in my interest at all” to debate the US President, Leo said, adding that his statements should not be viewed as directed at any one individual but rather as part of a broader spiritual message.

Clarifies narrative around comments

The Pope noted that much of the discussion surrounding his remarks had been shaped by political interpretations, particularly after comments made by Trump early in his visit.

“There has been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects,” he said, pointing out that much of the coverage since then has involved commentary attempting to interpret earlier statements.

Trump’s criticism and background to tensions

Trump had criticised Leo on his Truth Social platform on April 12, taking issue with the Pope’s emphasis on peace amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The war began with joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28, followed by retaliation from Iran.

In his posts, Trump accused Leo of being soft on crime and politically aligned with the left. He also suggested that the first American pope owed his election to him.

Pope’s stand on war and peace

Leo has consistently called for dialogue and peace, and has strongly criticised attempts to justify war using religion. He described Trump’s threat to annihilate Iranian civilisation as “truly unacceptable”.

The Vatican has reiterated that the Pope’s appeal for peace is universal and not limited to the Iran conflict. It applies to all wars across the world.

Church officials highlighted that religious narratives have also been used elsewhere to justify conflict. The Russian Orthodox Church, for instance, has supported Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by describing it as a “holy war”.

Reference to Cameroon remarks

During the interaction, Leo referred to his earlier speech at a peace gathering in Bamenda, a city in Cameroon’s Anglophone region that has been affected by a separatist conflict for nearly a decade.

He explained that his remarks criticising a “handful of tyrants” responsible for war and exploitation had been prepared two weeks before Trump’s criticism.

“Yet it was interpreted as if I was trying to debate the president again,” he said.

Focus on pastoral mission in Africa

Looking ahead, the Pope said his priority remains his pastoral role during his visit to Africa.

“I come to Africa primarily as a pastor, as the head of the Catholic Church, to be with, to celebrate with, to encourage and accompany Catholics across the continent,” he said.

He also referred to upcoming liturgical readings that emphasise Christian values such as fraternity, brotherhood, justice and peace, underlining his continued commitment to promoting these ideals globally.

Agency inputs