Adedokun Waliyu 
Pope Leo XIV has said he regrets that some of his remarks were interpreted as a response to criticism from Donald Trump, stressing that he has no interest in engaging in a debate with the American leader.
He explained that a speech he delivered in Cameroon—in which he spoke about “tyrants” causing destruction around the world—had been written before Trump’s comment that he was “not a big fan” of the pope. According to him, the speech was not intended as a reply, but was later perceived that way.
The clarification comes amid his broader message during his African tour, where he warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence being used to promote polarisation, conflict, fear, and violence. He also criticised the environmental damage caused by the extraction of rare earth minerals needed for digital technologies.
Speaking at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaounde, the pope said the challenge of modern technology goes beyond misuse, warning that it could gradually replace reality with simulation and distort humanity’s relationship with truth.
His comments form part of a series of strong statements he has made during his ongoing tour, where he has increasingly spoken out on global issues and called for peace.
