Pope Says Remarks on “Tyrants” Not Aimed at Trump

Pope Leo XIV said he had no intention of entering a public dispute with US President Donald Trump, addressing interpretations of remarks made during his visit to Africa.

Speaking to reporters on board a flight to Angola, the Pope said reports of his earlier statements were not entirely accurate. “The reports of my statements were not accurate in all parts,” he said.

He also referred to a speech in Cameroon in which he said the world was being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants”, stressing that the comment was not directed at Trump. “This speech was prepared two weeks in advance, even before the president made his remarks about me and the message of peace that I am promoting,” Leo XIV said.

He added that his aim is to promote peace rather than engage in political disputes.

(reuters, bak)