Pope Leo clarifies Cameroon remarks not targeting Trump during Africa tour

Pope Leo addressed tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump during his Africa tour, clarifying that comments made in Cameroon about "a handful of tyrants" ravaging the world were not directed at the American leader. Speaking to reporters aboard his flight to Angola on Saturday, the pontiff explained his speech had been prepared two weeks earlier, before Trump's criticisms. The pope's remarks followed media misinterpretations of his Cameroon address. Vice-President J.D. Vance welcomed the clarification, posting on social media that he was "grateful" while acknowledging real disagreements exist. Trump had previously called Pope Leo "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy" in a social media post as the pontiff prepared for his 10-day Africa tour. The president also shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing criticism from some religious conservatives. Pope Leo's current trip represents his first visit to Africa as the initial U.S. pope.