‘Not Interested in Debate’ – RedState
Five days after President Donald Trump made his clash with Pope Leo
Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane en route to Angola, Leo rejected the idea that his recent comments were aimed at Trump, saying the interpretation only took effect after the president’s criticism sparked a cycle of political backlash.
“It looked like I was trying to debate the president, which is not in my best interest at all.”
Leo cited a peace speech delivered in Cameroon as the source of the controversy, saying it was written two weeks before Trump made comments about it.
He said media coverage of his remarks quickly took on a life of its own once the political fallout began.
“Much of what has been written since then is just commentary upon commentary, trying to interpret what was said.”
He said the trip itself had been overtaken by this dynamic, with media coverage moving away from his stated goal in Africa, which he described as pastoral: to proclaim the Gospel and accompany Catholics across a continent where the Church is growing.
Trump’s response last weekend wasn’t limited to politics. In an article for Truth Social, he called the pope “weak on crime” and “terrible on foreign policy,” then developed a broader critique of Leo’s judgment, neutrality and ability to influence world affairs.
Learn more: Trump calls Pope Leo ‘weak on crime’, expands Iran conflict into full-fledged fight
Spot-On: Tom Homan delivers a perfect response to the Pope on illegal immigration
Leo’s comments throughout the trip remained focused on his role as a religious leader and the message he said he had already delivered before the clashes began. When Trump’s criticism came down on the first day of the trip, Leo responded directly.
“I am not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loud and clear about the message of the Gospel.”
He drew a clear distinction between his role and Trump’s, defining his position as rooted in religious teaching rather than political debate.
“We are not politicians… I believe in the message of the Gospel, as a peacemaker. »
Since then, the confrontation has widened. Vice President JD Vance, a converted Catholic, spoke at a Turning Point USA event this week and warned that public statements about theology have consequences, adding that the pope should be “cautious” when speaking out on these issues.
The disagreement remains. Leo argued for diplomacy and restraint, warning against escalation and what he described as a global drift toward conflict. Trump argued that Iran left him no choice, arguing that without military pressure, the regime would obtain a nuclear weapon and use it.
Editor’s note: Do you like RedState’s conservative reporting that attacks the radical left and the woke media? Support our work so we can continue to bring you the truth.
Join RedState VIP and use promo code STRUGGLE to benefit from 60% off your VIP subscription!
