Pope Leo XIV has made it clear that he does not wish to enter into a debate with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the conflict in Iran. Instead, he remains committed to spreading his message of peace.

During his flight back from a visit to Cameroon, the Pope addressed journalists onboard his plane to clarify remarks he made about the conflict. This was reported by the Vatican News Agency.

“There has been a certain narrative that hasn’t been entirely accurate,” Pope Leo explained. “This was particularly evident due to the political climate that arose after the President of the United States made remarks about me on the first day of my trip.”

His comments were in response to criticisms from Trump earlier in the week, which the Pope had already addressed.

President Trump accused Pope Leo, who is the first American to become pontiff, of being lenient on crime and suggested that he was a covert liberal whose election was influenced by Trump.

Adding to the criticism, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism seven years ago, cautioned the Pope to be prudent when discussing theological matters.

“Much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said,” Pope Leo said.

The pope has called for peace and negotiation, and has criticised the use of religion as grounds for waging war.

In one speech, he accused “tyrants” of waging war and spending billions of dollars.

He also slammed Trump’s threat to wipe out Iranian civilisation as “truly unacceptable.”

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