Pope Leo XIV Tells Journalists Debating President Trump was "not in my interest at all" but Rather to Encourage Catholics in Africa - on the Plane to Angola
En route to Luanda, Angola—the third destination of his Apostolic Journey to Africa—Pope Leo XIV took time to address the press corps accompanying him. He expressed deep gratitude for the "extraordinary welcome" he received in Cameroon and sought to clarify the intent behind his recent addresses, noting they were written well in advance. He emphasized that his words should not be viewed "as if I was trying to debate again with the president, which is not in my interest at all."
Clarifying the Narrative
Reporting for the Yaoundé/Luanda leg of the trip, Salvatore Cernuzio noted the Pope’s positive reflection on his three days in Cameroon. The Pontiff described the nation as one that “represents the heart of Africa in many different ways, both English-speaking and French-speaking, and around 250 local languages.”
Shortly after takeoff, Leo XIV greeted journalists to correct what he labeled an "inaccurate narrative" stemming from recent political friction.
“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 me,” the Pope stated.
Despite ongoing criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, the Pope maintained that the matter was settled. He lamented that “Much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what has been said.” Specifically regarding his April 16 speech at the Prayer Meeting for Peace, he clarified:
“[It] was prepared two weeks ago, well before the person had ever commented on me and on the message of peace that I am promoting. And yet as it happens, it was viewed as if I was trying to debate again with the president, which is not in my interest at all.”
Mission of Peace and Faith
Reaffirming his purpose, Leo XIV stated: “I primarily come to Africa as pastor, as the head of the Catholic Church, to be with, to celebrate with, to encourage and accompany all of the Catholics throughout Africa.”
Beyond pastoring, he highlighted his commitment to interreligious harmony, referencing a “very fine meeting” with imams in Yaoundé. He stressed the necessity to “continue to promote - as we've done in other places already and as Pope Francis has done during his pontificate - dialogue, promotion of fraternity, understanding, acceptance, peace-building with people of all faiths.”
He also recalled his visit to the Catholic University of Central Africa, noting a monument of Saint Augustine that “expresses part of what this Church is about.”
Social Justice and the Gospel
The Pope touched upon the “unequal distribution of wealth” across Africa, identifying Cameroon as a land of vast potential. As he turned his focus toward Angola, he summarized his ongoing message:
“We continue proclaiming the Gospel message”
“of what it's about to follow Christ, of what it's about to promote fraternity, brotherhood, trusting in the Lord, but also looking for ways to promote justice in our world. Promote peace in our world.”
Gratitude to Cameroon and the Press
Speaking to Charles Ebune of CRTV, the Pope thanked the people of Cameroon “for the wonderful welcome, the great enthusiasm, the joy of the people. It was absolutely fantastic." He added that it was a moving "experience of the faith community people who really discovered in the shared enthusiasm…how wonderful it is to experience what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and to celebrate our faith together.”
Concluding his interaction with the 70 journalists on board, he expressed his well-wishes: “I'm very happy to greet all of you, and thank you for the work that you're doing. I hope that the Lord will continue to bless all of us on this trip. See you in Angola!”
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