Pope Leo XIV said Saturday he has no intention of engaging in a public debate with President Donald Trump, stressing that his focus remains on preaching the Gospel and promoting peace.

Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane while traveling from Cameroon to Angola, the pope addressed recent media coverage surrounding an exchange of criticism between himself and Trump related to the ongoing Iran conflict.

Leo said portrayals of the situation have been inaccurate in some respects, noting that his remarks were not directed at the president but instead reflected longstanding Christian teachings on peace and reconciliation.

The comments follow criticism from Trump earlier in the week, when the president took issue with the pope’s messaging on the conflict, arguing it was out of step with the administration’s approach. Trump also made broader critiques of the pontiff’s views and leadership.

In response, Leo reiterated that his statements are part of a consistent message opposing war and the use of religion to justify violence. He pointed to remarks delivered earlier during a peace gathering in Bamenda, Cameroon, where he condemned global conflict and what he described as destructive leadership.

The Vatican has also clarified that the pope’s appeals for peace are not limited to a single conflict but apply to multiple global crises, including wars and regional instability beyond the Middle East.

Leo added that his primary mission during the Africa trip is pastoral, focusing on encouraging Catholic communities and promoting values such as unity, justice, and peace.

The exchange highlights a broader divide between religious messaging centered on diplomacy and restraint and political leadership navigating ongoing international conflicts, particularly as tensions involving Iran and U.S. allies continue to evolve.