Not in my interest at all: Pope Leo XIV says he won’t debate Trump, will keep preaching peace

Pope Leo XIV said Saturday that engaging in a public debate with Donald Trump over the Iran conflict was “not in my interest at all” , insisting that his focus remains the Gospel message of peace rather than political confrontation. Speaking aboard the papal plane travelling from Cameroon to Angola, Leo said the controversy had been fuelled by “commentary on commentary” , adding that his remarks were being wrongly interpreted as a direct response to Trump.

He clarified that a recent speech in Bamenda, where he criticised a world “ravaged by a handful of tyrants” , had been written two weeks earlier, before Trump’s criticism on Truth Social. The dispute began after Trump attacked the pope on April 12, accusing him of political bias and commenting on the Iran war, which escalated after US-Israeli strikes on Feb 28 and Iran’s retaliation. Leo has repeatedly condemned attempts to justify war through religion and earlier called threats to “annihilate Iranian civilisation” “truly unacceptable.”

The Vatican has stressed that the pope’s message applies to all global conflicts , not any single war or leader. Leo reiterated that his role is pastoral: “I come as a pastor… to celebrate, encourage and accompany Catholics across Africa,” while urging fraternity, justice and peace .

US Vice President JD Vance also weighed in around the episode, initially praising efforts to ease tensions between political and religious leaders, and later welcoming the pope’s clarification, saying he appreciated calls for peace and dialogue amid rising global conflict concerns. His remarks came as Washington attempted to tone down political friction triggered by the exchange between Trump and the Vatican.

Leo concluded that he would continue preaching peace globally, saying his mission is not to enter political disputes but to promote reconciliation in a divided world.