Pope Leo XIV has said he is not seeking to debate US President Donald Trump over the Iran conflict, but pledged to continue preaching his message of peace.
The pontiff sought to clarify his recent comments on the war as he flew out from a visit to Cameroon, speaking with journalists aboard his plane, reports the Vatican News Agency.
"There's been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects, but 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," Pope Leo said.
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He was referring to accusations that Trump had directed at him early last week to which the pope had already responded.
The president accused Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, of being weak on crime, and a closet left-winger who owed his election to Trump.
US Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism seven years ago, also joined the criticism of Leo, saying the pope "needs to be careful" when commenting on theology.
"Much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said," Pope Leo said.
The pope has called for peace and negotiation, and has criticised the use of religion as grounds for waging war.
In one speech, he accused "tyrants" of waging war and spending billions of dollars.
He also slammed Trump's threat to wipe out Iranian civilisation as "truly unacceptable."
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