US Vice President JD Vance has expressed gratitude to Pope Leo for clarifying recent remarks that had sparked tension with former President Donald Trump. The Pope explained that his speech in Cameroon, where he said the world was being troubled by 'a few dictators,' was not directed at Trump. He emphasized that the address had been prepared two weeks earlier and was misinterpreted, not intended to provoke political conflict.

Vance, a Catholic himself, wrote on social media platform X that he was thankful for the Pope’s clarification. He noted that the media often amplifies conflicts and that while differences exist, the reality is more complex. Vance added that the President and the administration strive to apply moral values within a complicated reality, saying the Pope would remain in their prayers.

Earlier, Pope Leo had criticized the US-Israel stance on the Iran conflict, prompting Trump to call him weak on crime and poor on foreign policy. The episode has reignited global debate over the balance between religious and political positions.