Pope Rejects Trump Targeting Claims, Says "Not In My Interest At All"

Speaking to journalists aboard the papal flight to Angola, the Pontiff pushed back against what he described as an inaccurate media portrayal of his comments. "There has been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all its aspects," he said.

The Pope indicated that the controversy stemmed from the political context created after remarks by the US President early in his trip. "Because of the political situation created when on the first day of the trip the President of the United States made some comments about myself, much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary trying to interpret what has been said," he added.

Clarifying the timing of his earlier statements, Pope Leo XIV stressed that his address at a recent prayer meeting for peace had been prepared well in advance.

"Just one little example: the talk that I gave at the prayer meeting for peace a couple of days ago was prepared two weeks ago, well before the president ever commented on myself and on the message of peace that I am promoting. And yet as it happens, it was looked at as if I was trying to debate again the president, which is not in my interest at all," he said.

His remarks come amid an ongoing war of words with President Trump over Iran and nuclear policy. Trump recently asserted that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and said he had the right to disagree with the Pope's stance. "I say Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," Trump stated, warning that such a development would put "the whole world" will be at jeopardy.

Trump had earlier escalated his criticism in a post, stating, "Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a Nuclear Bomb is absolutely unacceptable. Thank you for your attention to this matter."

He also refused to apologise to the Pontiff, saying, "I won't apologise to Pope Leo. I think he's very weak on crime and other things," and added that the Pope would be "unhappy with the result" of his administration's policies.

Earlier, responding to the criticism, Pope Leo XIV had made clear his stance, stating, "I think that the people who read will be able to draw their own conclusions: I am not a politician, I have no intention of entering into a debate with Donald Trump." He further emphasised his focus on peace, saying, "Rather, let us always seek peace and put an end to wars. I am not afraid of the Trump administration."

The Pope has also cautioned against the misuse of religion for political or military ends. Speaking at a prayer meeting for peace in Bamenda, he said, "Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth."

The Pontiff has maintained that his message remains rooted in faith and peace, rather than political confrontation.

- ANI