Pope Leo XIV Clarifies ‘Tyrants’ Remark Amid Public Feud with Donald Trump

The Pontiff stated that his call for peace in Cameroon was prepared weeks in advance and not intended as a personal attack on the US President. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Pope Leo XIV attends a meeting with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps at the Protocollar Pavillion of the Presidency in Luanda, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Pope Leo XIV has sought to distance his recent comments regarding a “handful of tyrants” from US President Donald Trump , clarifying that his message was a general appeal for peace rather than a targeted political critique. Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane while traveling from Cameroon to Angola, the Pope explained that his speech at a peace meeting in Bamenda had been finalized two weeks before Trump began his public criticism of the papacy. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . According to Politico , the Pontiff emphasized that he is not interested in a personal dispute with the American leader. “I have no interest in an argument with the President,” the Pope stated, while affirming that he will continue to preach the Gospel’s message of peace regardless of the political narrative surrounding his words. The Vatican further clarified that the Pope’s advocacy for peace encompasses all global conflicts and is not focused solely on the ongoing war in Iran . This clarification follows a week of verbal exchanges between the two leaders during the Pope’s 10-day tour of Africa. The rift intensified on April 13, when President Trump refused to apologize for attacking the US-born Pope on social media, labeling the Pontiff’s stance on Iran as “wrong” and “weak.” Trump also claimed that the Church chose an American Pope specifically to influence his administration , while publicly praising the Pope’s brother, Louis, for being “all MAGA.” Other Topics of Interest Trump Threatens to Resume Strikes if Iran Deal Fails by April 22 The US president stated he may not extend the current ceasefire, warning that a failure to reach an agreement within days would lead to a renewed blockade and military action. Despite the tension, the Pope has received significant support from European allies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, typically a close ally of Trump, described the President’s remarks as “unacceptable,” defending the Pope’s right to condemn war. While the Vatican aims to de-escalate the situation, analysts suggest the confrontation could significantly impact Catholic voters in the United States as the political fallout continues. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.