(SeaPRwire) – On Saturday, Pope Leo XIV clarified that his recent comments about the world being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants” were not a reference to President Donald Trump, a report stated.
Speaking to reporters on his flight to Angola as part of a 10-day tour of Africa, the pontiff said media coverage of his remarks “has not been entirely accurate” and noted that the speech in question “was written two weeks ago, long before the president made any comments about me or the peace message I advocate,” Reuters reported.
The pope was quoted by the news agency as stating his words were not intended for Trump.
“It was perceived as though I was attempting to engage in a debate with the president, which is not my intention whatsoever,” the pope was reported as saying.
Digital has contacted the White House for a response.
The clarification follows accusations from Trump last Sunday, who called Pope Leo XIV “terrible” on foreign policy due to the pontiff’s criticism of the joint U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran.
In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “He talks about ‘fear’ of the Trump Administration, but doesn’t mention the FEAR that the Catholic Church, and all other Christian Organizations, had during COVID when they were arresting priests, ministers, and everybody else, for holding Church Services, even when going outside, and being ten and even twenty feet apart.”
“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” he added.
The pope’s original remarks were delivered during a speech in Cameroon on Thursday, where he declared, “We must make a decisive change of course — a true conversion — that will lead us in the opposite direction, onto a sustainable path rich in human fraternity.”
“The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters!” he continued.
He also stated, “Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic or political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth.”
Digital’s Landon Mion contributed to this report.
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