Press title for the National catholic Reporter’s article;
Pope Leo says he is 'not trying to debate' Trump, refocuses Africa trip on peace
Pope Leo XIV speaks to journalists aboard a flight on his way to Luanda, Angola, April 18, 2026. On the flight from Cameroon to Angola, the pope pushed back against a media narrative that has pitted him against President Donald Trump since the start of his 11-day apostolic journey to Africa. (OSV News/Luca Zennaro, pool via Reuter
1 comment:
Aboard the papal plane — April 18, 2026
"Pope Leo XIV...stating that his comments cannot be cast as a rebuke of President Donald Trump.
"There has been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects," he told reporters aboard the papal plane en route to Angola April 18.
"He criticized media coverage that framed his comments in Cameroon as if he were "trying to debate again the president, which is not in my interest at all."
"Leo specifically called out the coverage of his April 16 meeting for peace in Bamenda in northwestern Cameroon, in which he passionately declared that "the world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants."
"That speech, the pope said, "was prepared two weeks ago, well before the president had ever commented on myself and the message of peace that I am promoting."
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In regard to folks who have insisted that Pope Leo XIV should end his off-the-cuff interactions with journalists:
The above has demonstrated that even Pope Leo XIV's remarks prepared carefully weeks prior to an event have experienced misrepresentation.
That is among reasons why I am not concerned in regard to Pope Leo XIV's off-the-cuff exchanges with journalists. One way or another, Pope Leo XIV may experience misrepresentations in regard to his declarations.
Regardless, Pope Leo XIV is determined to reach us via press conferences.
I will focus upon Pope Leo XVI's declarations. I will view with skepticism attempts to "read between the lines" in regard to our Pope's declarations.
Pax.
Mark Thomas
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