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Pope Leo XIV has made it clear that he is not interested in engaging in a debate with U.S. President Donald Trump over the ongoing conflict with Iran. Instead, he remains committed to spreading his message of peace.
During a conversation with journalists aboard his plane as he departed from a visit to Cameroon, the pontiff sought to address and clarify his earlier comments about the war. This interaction was reported by the Vatican News Agency.
“There has been a narrative circulating that isn’t entirely accurate,” Pope Leo stated, referencing a political situation that arose after President Trump made remarks about him on the first day of his trip.
Pope Leo was alluding to the accusations made by Trump earlier last week, which he had already addressed.
The President had criticized Pope Leo, who is notably the first American to hold the papacy, accusing him of being lenient on crime and suggesting that the pontiff was secretly aligned with left-wing ideologies, attributing his election to Trump’s influence.
US Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism seven years ago, also joined the criticism of Leo, saying the pope “needs to be careful” when commenting on theology.
“Much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said,” Pope Leo said.
The pope has called for peace and negotiation, and has criticised the use of religion as grounds for waging war.
In one speech, he accused “tyrants” of waging war and spending billions of dollars.
He also slammed Trump’s threat to wipe out Iranian civilisation as “truly unacceptable.”
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