Pope Leo XIV avoids feud with Trump, says “not in my interest at all”

Pope Leo XIV said he does not intend to engage in a dispute with US President Donald Trump, despite sharp remarks made by the American leader.

Speaking to reporters in English during his flight to Angola for the third stop of his 10-day Africa tour, the first US-born pope clarified that remarks he made two days earlier in Cameroon—stating the world was being "ravaged by a handful of tyrants"—were not directed at Trump.

"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 told journalists.

Leo XIV added that he will continue to speak about peace and call for reconciliation, emphasising that his position is not a political attack on the US administration but is guided by the Gospel message and the mission of the Church.

By Jeyhun Aghazada