Pope Leo, currently on his visit to Angola, is in the midst of a significant journey across Africa—his third trip beyond Italy since his papacy began in May 2025. He took some time to address reporters on the papal plane, amidst a backdrop of controversy. His planned 10-day trip includes stops in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, but the backlash he faced on Sunday was unexpected and intense. This criticism may overshadow his mission, which he described as coming to Africa “primarily as a pastor” to engage with Catholics across the continent.
“There are certain stories that are not accurate on all sides, stemming from comments made by the president of the United States at the start of my visit,” said the pope, born in the U.S. “A lot of what has been said since then is just commentary, trying to interpret the remarks.” He described his earlier talk at the peace conference as prepared weeks prior to these comments, emphasizing that he is not looking to debate the president.
In his remarks, Pope Leo seemed to be working to mend perceived tensions between himself and the U.S. leadership. His ongoing calls for peace come as President Trump undertakes military operations aimed at the Iranian regime. The pope has maintained a critical stance towards violence globally, advocating for dialogue as a route to resolution, particularly in conflict areas like the Middle East.
In contrast, President Trump has repeatedly stated his determination to prevent Iran from achieving nuclear capability through any means necessary. He defended his actions regarding the U.S. military’s operations, asserting that global security was at risk should Iran act on its threats, primarily against the U.S. and Israel. The pope’s focus on diplomacy seems to clash with Trump’s perspective, which positions Iran as an immediate threat that necessitates a hard stance.
Trump acknowledged the pope’s right to his views but expressed his disagreement. “I want him to preach the gospel. I respect that. But I can’t allow certain nations, particularly those that have shown aggressiveness, to possess nuclear weapons. If they had the capability, it would potentially endanger millions,” Trump remarked. He underscored the moral complexities of the situation, highlighting Iran’s recent actions against unarmed protesters.
The discourse between the two figures appears to stem from earlier statements, where the pope suggested that “God does not hear the prayers of those who wage war.” This drew critical remarks from Trump, who labeled the pope’s stance as weak regarding international threats.
Trump specified his disapproval, stating, “I don’t want a pope who thinks it’s acceptable for Iran to possess nuclear weapons.” He reiterated the need for strong foreign policy decisions, particularly highlighting the necessity of addressing drug-related issues in Venezuela—a country he claims poses significant risks to American security.
In response to ongoing tensions, Pope Leo conveyed to Trump’s aides that he would continue pushing for peace, asserting, “I am not afraid of the Trump administration.” He emphasized his mission is rooted in the gospel, not in political disputes.
As the pope navigates this intricate situation, he reiterated that faith and peace must take priority over political calculations, stating, “We’re not politicians; we see these matters primarily from the perspective of peacemakers.”
