Pope Leo XIV on Saturday downplayed his dispute with US President Donald Trump over the Iran war, saying his comments have been misinterpreted.
Speaking on his flight to Angola – the third leg of his 10-day tour of Africa – Leo said a comment he made to Cameroon earlier this week that the world was being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants” was not aimed at Trump.
“As it happened, it looked as if I was trying to argue with the president, which is not in my best interest at all,” the Pope told reporters.
He said, “Everything that has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said.”
Leo gives message of peace
The Pope said he would continue to preach the gospel of peace, reconciliation and bridge-building, without hesitating to speak out against war.
Leo said his Cameron speech was prepared two weeks in advance, long before Trump criticized Leo as soft on crime and terrible on foreign policy.
The Pope originally criticized Trump’s threat on April 7 that “the entire civilization will die tonight” if Iran did not follow orders to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Leo called Trump’s threat “truly unacceptable” and questioned whether international law had been broken.
On April 12, Trump said he was “not a big fan of Pope Leo” and accused him of “messing with a country.” [Iran] “He wants nuclear weapons”.
He later reiterated his comments to journalists with a post on Truth Social, saying: “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have nuclear weapons.”
The president posted, then deleted, an AI-generated image of himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing criticism, even from some religious conservatives who generally support him.
Pope to discuss exploitation of natural resources
During his visit to Angola, the Pope is expected to meet President Joao Lourenco before addressing the oil-rich country’s political leaders.
One of his priorities is expected to be the exploitation of natural resources, having already criticized foreign exploitation of Africa’s minerals during the visit.
According to the World Bank, much of Angola’s population of 36.6 million still lives in extreme poverty, with more than 30% living on less than $2.15 (€1.83) per day. About half of the country identifies as Catholic.
After decades of bloody conflict in the 20th century, Angola has become one of the leading oil producing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with the region accounting for about 95% of its exports.
Leo’s Africa tour began in Algeria on Monday before traveling to Cameroon. After Angola, the Pope will visit Equatorial Guinea.
The tour is one of the most ambitious ever organized for a Pope, covering approximately 18,000 kilometers (11,185 mi) on 18 flights, stopping in 11 cities and towns in four countries.
Edited by: Wesley Dockery