Peace appeals in Africa were not aimed at Trump, pope says

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM CAMEROON TO ANGOLA (CNS) -- Pope Leo XIV pushed back against interpretations that his recent calls for peace on the ground during his Africa trip were directed specifically at U.S. President Donald Trump, saying his remarks were part of a broader message.

While the pope had responded to comments from the Trump administration earlier in the trip during a flight from Rome, he said April 18 the speeches delivered in Algeria and Cameroon were prepared in advance and intended for local communities and leaders more broadly.

"At the same time, there has been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects," he told journalists aboard the flight, "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," referring to coverage that linked his on-the-ground remarks to Trump. 

He added that "much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said."

For example, the pope said, his remarks during a meeting for peace with residents in Bamenda, Cameroon, April 16, had been written two weeks prior, "well before the president ever commented on myself and on the message of peace that I am promoting."

"And yet, as it happened, it was looked at as if I was trying to debate against the president, which is not in my interest at all," he said. 

In that address to the community, the pope spoke broadly about violence, exploitation and the misuse of religion, warning: "Blessed are the peacemakers! But woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain."

"The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild," he had said in the speech, adding that "The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters."

Throughout his 11-day trip, Pope Leo repeatedly framed peace as a global moral responsibility, emphasizing the importance of everyone working together toward justice and the need for everyone to reject violence. Some media outlets had reported that these themes were a direct response to U.S. political leaders.

The week of criticism began April 13 when Trump called the pope "weak on crime" and questioned his stance on global conflicts, while also defending his own policies, especially those on Iran and nuclear weapons, as being aligned with the Bible. 

Vice President JD Vance suggested the pope should avoid weighing in on political matters, and he defended Trump’s actions. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was "taken a little bit aback" by the pope’s comments. 

Reflecting on his visit to Africa in his address to the media on the plane, Pope Leo said he was "pleased" with the Algeria leg of the trip and its focus on the legacy of St. Augustine.

"In one sense, it expresses what this trip is about," he said. "I come to Africa as a pastor, as the head of the Catholic Church, to be with, to celebrate with, to encourage and accompany."

He added that he would continue to proclaim the Gospel and promote "the different, fantastic, beautiful aspects" of Christianity, calling for justice, fraternity and peace.

Taking a question from a Cameroonian journalist, the pope said he was struck by the enthusiasm of the people he encountered.

"How wonderful it is to experience what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and to celebrate our faith together," he said. "That enthusiasm was very much present in Cameroon. I am very happy to have had the experience and to accompany all of your people during these days."