Pope Leo XIV avoids Trump debate

Aboard the papal plane during his 11-day tour of Africa, Pope Leo XIV sought to downplay the perceived feud with the U.S. President.

The clash began after Trump criticized the Pope's stance on the conflict in Iran and posted controversial AI-generated religious imagery.

Leo insisted that his sermons are focused on peacebuilding and the Gospel rather than personal political disputes.

Despite the Pope's attempt to de-escalate, the tension has highlighted deep divisions among Catholics in Trump's inner circle.