• Pope Leo XIV asserts his comments on "tyrants" were not directed at Trump.
• He regrets that his remarks were perceived as a debate with the US president.
• Trump has criticized the Pope for being "weak" on foreign policy.
• The Pope intends to continue promoting peace as part of his Africa tour.
• His speech in Cameroon was written two weeks before Trump's comments.

Pope Leo XIV has clarified that his recent comments about "tyrants," made during his Africa tour, were not intended as a direct response to President Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters aboard a flight to Angola, Leo stated, "it was looked at as if I was trying to debate the president, which is not in my interest at all," emphasizing that his remarks were prepared well in advance of Trump's criticisms. This follows a speech in Cameroon where he condemned leaders for spending vast sums on war while neglecting essential public needs, a statement some interpreted as directed at Trump, according to Le Monde and BBC.

During the same tour, Trump publicly critiqued the Pope, labeling him as "WEAK on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy." These comments were made after Leo voiced his concerns about the U.S.-Israeli military operations, asserting that he would not engage in debates about peace with Trump. "There's been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects," the Pope remarked, underscoring his focus on broader issues rather than personal disputes, according to Los Angeles Times and South China Morning Post.

Pope Leo spoke at length about his role as a preacher of peace, seeking to address the misinterpretations around his messages. His comments decrying the "endless cycle of destabilization and death" specifically target the broader context of global conflict rather than Trump personally. As he continues his Africa tour, spanning several nations affected by war and hardship, the Pope reiterated his commitment to promoting justice and peace. "I primarily come to Africa as a pastor, as the head of the Catholic Church to be with, to celebrate with, to encourage," he noted, referencing the regions he aims to support, according to Le Monde and Los Angeles Times.