Pope Leo XIV stated that he was not seeking to debate Donald Trump when he criticized 'tyrants' for spending billions on wars in a speech earlier this week. The pontiff clarified that these remarks were prepared a fortnight earlier, 'well before the president ever commented on myself.' He expressed disappointment that the comments were perceived as a direct challenge to Trump, stating that this was 'not in my interest at all.' The Pope’s comments came after Trump attacked him, branding the Vatican leader 'terrible for foreign policy.' In response, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance acknowledged the Pope’s stance and remarked on the media’s tendency to exaggerate conflicts. The Pope’s ongoing Africa tour reflects the significant Catholic presence in the region, where over a fifth of the world's Catholics reside.