World

Pope Leo to keep preaching peace, says 'not in my interest' to debate Trump

Apr 19, 2026

Luanda [Angola], April 19: Pope Leo XIV on Saturday sought to ease tensions with US President Donald Trump, saying some comments he recently made had been prepared weeks ago and it is not in his interest to debate Trump.
He said "there's been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of these aspects." Chicago-born Leo noted that a prayer meeting he gave for peace a few days ago was prepared two weeks in advance - "well before the President ever commented on myself and on the message of peace that I am promoting." Still, he said - the comments were looked upon as if the pontiff "was trying to debate against the President, which is not in my interest at all."
Trump and Leo recently engaged in a fierce war of words, making headlines worldwide. After a series of peace appeals from the Vatican, the US president accused the pope of a "terrible" foreign policy. Leo then responded saying: "I am not afraid of the Trump administration." (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune

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