Pope Leo XIV. spoke during his trip to Africa about the recent controversies that have arisen in connection with his criticism of war conflicts and the reactions of US President Donald Trump. During the flight from Cameroon to Angola, he emphasized that his words about the “ravaging of the world by a handful of tyrants” were not aimed directly at Trump, but were of a general nature. According to the Pope, these statements were already prepared two weeks ago, that is, even before the US President made his address.
- Pope Leo the Fourteenth denied that he was attacking Donald Trump directly.
- He stated that the words about bullies were created before Trump’s reaction.
- He drew attention to distorted media interpretations and emphasized the broader context of his statements.
- Donald Trump called the Pope weak on crime and terrible diplomatically.
- Leo the Fourteenth insists on the universal message of peace and the spiritual character of the mission.
Leo XIV. at the same time, he pointed out that some reports about his statements were not entirely accurate. “A certain narrative emerged that did not reflect the true context of my words,” the Pope said. He added that his goal is not to argue with political leaders, but to spread the message of peace that comes from the Gospel.
Trump’s criticism of the Pope
In response to the Pope’s statements on social networks, Donald Trump called Leo XIV. for being “weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy”. The criticism came after the Pope repeatedly condemned war conflicts, including the US-Israeli war against Iran. Trump’s words sparked another wave of debate, with the pope stressing that his message of peace applies to all conflicts, not just the Iranian one.
On Thursday, Leo XIV. again criticized leaders who invest billions in military operations instead of focusing on helping people in need. Although he did not directly name Trump, his words were interpreted by many as an indirect reference to the American president. However, the Vatican insists that the Pope’s statements are universal and do not aim to attack specific individuals.
The message of peace continues
During his trip to Africa, the Pope emphasized that his main task is to be a shepherd and spiritual leader for Catholics throughout the continent. “I came to Africa to be with all Catholics, to celebrate with them and to encourage them,” said Leo XIV. He also confirmed that he will continue to speak openly about issues of peace and justice, regardless of political pressures.
Leo XIV. thus trying to maintain its position as a moral authority that does not get involved in political disputes, but focuses on universal values. His journey through Africa is primarily intended to be a spiritual mission, but at the same time it also brings important messages about the need for peace in the world.
