Pope Dismisses Rumours Of Feud With Trump, Citing Desire For Peace
Pope Leo XIV has downplayed rumours of a personal feud with US President Donald Trump, insisting it is
“not in my interest at all” to engage in a debate with him and that he will continue preaching the Gospel
message of peace.
The pontiff made the remarks on Saturday, April 18, 2026, while speaking to journalists aboard the
papal plane during his apostolic journey in Africa.
He addressed the recent public back-and-forth sparked by his repeated calls for peace amid the US-
Israel military operations against Iran.
Pope Leo clarified that his statements were not intended as direct attacks on Trump or any specific
leader.
He emphasised that his role is rooted in the Gospel, not politics, and that he has “no fear of the Trump
administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel.”
“I don’t want to get into a debate with him,” the Pope said. “I will continue to speak out loudly against
war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to
look for just solutions to the problems.”
The comments follow Trump’s strong criticism of the Pope earlier in the week, in which the US president
described Leo as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” after the pontiff condemned the logic
of violence and war.
Pope Leo has repeatedly called for de-escalation, dialogue, and an end to the conflict in the Middle East
during his ongoing Africa tour.
He has described the world as being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants” who spend billions on wars while
people suffer.
Despite the public exchanges, the Pope stressed that his focus remains on promoting peace,
reconciliation, and justice rather than engaging in political confrontation.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
