Pope Leo XIV stated he has no intention of debating Donald Trump following criticism regarding his comments on the US-Iran conflict. The pontiff clarified his stance that his primary goal is the promotion of global peace.

Pope Leo XIV on Monday said he had "no intention to debate" with Donald Trump, after the US president criticised him over his comments on the US-Iran war. "I am not a politician," the pope told reporters aboard the papal plane as they headed to Algeria for the pontiff's first visit to Africa. "I have no intention to debate with (Trump). The message is the same: to promote peace."