world 18 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Pope Leo Dismisses Clash with Trump, No Interest in Debate
Pope Leo, the first U.S. pope, clarified that his recent remarks about 'tyrants ravaging the world' during his Africa tour were not directed at President Trump. Speaking on his flight to Angola, he emphasized that debating the president is not his goal. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/pope-leo-downplays-feud-with-trump-says-not-in-my-interest-to-debate-him-5428574
Pope Leo addressed tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump while flying to Angola for the next phase of his extensive 10-day Africa tour. He told journalists that media coverage of his comments has been partly inaccurate.
In Cameroon two days prior, the pontiff condemned how a ‘handful of tyrants’ are devastating the globe. He stressed this speech was drafted weeks earlier, before Trump’s responses to his peace advocacy.
Trump had labeled Leo ‘WEAK on Crime’ on Truth Social ahead of the tour and shared a controversial AI image portraying himself in a Christ-like manner, which faced backlash and was later deleted.
The pope’s critiques have intensified lately, targeting the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and leaders funding massive wars. ‘It was seen as me debating the president, which is not in my interest,’ Leo remarked.
A Chicago native, Leo has adopted a bolder tone on this tour, slamming war, poverty, and unfit global figures. The journey spans four nations, 11 locations, and about 18,000 km across 18 flights.
Vice President JD Vance praised the clarification on X, noting media often exaggerates divides despite genuine differences.