Pope Clarifies 'Tyrant' Remark: "Not Aimed at Trump... Mostly Commentary on Interpretation"

"A handful of tyrants are ravaging the world," criticizes Pope

"Political situation created by U.S. President's remarks"

Pope Leo XIV stated that he had no intention of engaging in a "dispute" with U.S. President Donald Trump. Previously, the Pope had made comments criticizing leaders driving the war in relation to the Iran crisis, after which President Trump publicly reproached the Pope.

According to foreign media outlets such as BBC and AP, the Pope’s clarification was made on April 18 (local time) during his visit to Africa. That day, the Pope, speaking to reporters on a flight from Cameroon to Angola, said, "There was a narrative that was inaccurate in every aspect," and explained, "This was due to a political situation created when the U.S. President made certain remarks about me on the first day of my visit."

Pope Leo XIV. EPA Yonhap News

He further emphasized, "Many of the articles that followed were closer to 'commentaries on commentaries' attempting to interpret the statement, rather than focusing on the statement itself."

During his visit to Cameroon on April 16, the Pope had remarked, "A handful of tyrants are ravaging the world." However, on this occasion, he clarified that this statement "was written two weeks before Trump’s criticism began."

Previously, President Trump, while putting pressure on Iran, claimed the "end of civilization" on his social media accounts. The Pope subsequently criticized this, calling it "truly unacceptable."

In response, President Trump said of the Pope, "I do not want a Pope who thinks it is acceptable for Iran to have nuclear weapons," and added, "Leo must fulfill his duties as Pope, act with common sense, stop catering to the radical left, and strive to be a great Pope."

Since then, while the Pope has not directly mentioned President Trump by name, he has continued to criticize various leaders driving the war. He said, "Woe to those who push what is sacred into darkness and filth, and manipulate religion and the name of God for their own military, economic, and political interests," adding, "Exploiting God’s creation is something every honest conscience should condemn and reject."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.