Pope Leo XIV has dismissed the prospect of engaging in a public dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump, saying his focus remains firmly on promoting peace rather than politics.
Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria for his first visit to Africa as pontiff, Pope Leo said he had “no intention to debate” with Trump following criticism from the U.S. president over the pope’s remarks on the U.S.-Iran war.
“I am not a politician,” the pope said. “I have no intention to debate with Trump. The message is the same: to promote peace.”
The remarks come amid escalating tensions between the Vatican and the White House after Pope Leo publicly condemned the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran, urging world leaders to reject war and pursue dialogue.
Trump had earlier criticised the pontiff over his comments, intensifying a rare public disagreement between a sitting U.S. president and the head of the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo’s comments underscore his continued commitment to advocating for diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution, even in the face of political backlash.
The pontiff arrived in Algeria on Monday as part of his first African tour since assuming the papacy, a trip expected to focus on peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian concerns across the continent.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
No comments:
Post a Comment