Pope Leo XIV’s tour of Cameroon came to an end yesterday, and he proceeded to his next African destination, Angola. On the plane, he addressed members of the media. He particularly addressed himself to comments made by the US President Donald Trump this week regarding him.
Christopher Lamb of CNN was on the plane that flew the Pope to Angola, and he reported that the Pope said he is not interested in debating the president. He began by clarifying that what the President had said of him was inaccurate.
Besides saying he did not particularly like the Pope, Trump had termed him “very liberal”. The remarks were probably meant to contrast the Pope’s overall views with those of the conservative Republican Party, where Trump belongs.
What Comments Irked Trump?
While in Bamenda, Cameroon, the Pope said in his speech that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet a lifetime is not sufficient to rebuild. He said that world tyrants, who are war masters, seem not to appreciate that fact.
He also said that these trigger-happy leaders ignore the enormous amount of money spent on murder and devastation, as the world struggles with funds for health, education, and reconstruction.
In the same vein, he underlined that cursed are those who manipulate religion and God’s name, so that they can benefit militarily, economically, and politically.
Having started a war in Iran this year, the US President might have felt targeted by the Pope. Hence, his criticism of the Holy Father.
According to the Pope’s itinerary, from Angola in southern Africa, he will proceed to Equatorial Guinea.