Pope Leo XIV’s brother has spoken about claims the leader of the Catholic Church had cancelled a trip to the US in the midst of a row with Donald Trump. John Prevost moved to shut down the speculation, insisting reports of a scrapped visit are simply untrue – and that his brother, Pope Leo XIV, had never planned to travel to the United States this year at all.
Speaking in an interview with NBC Chicago, he said: “I think one thing that has to be made clear is when some newscaster announced that the Pope canceled a trip to the United States. That’s not true. At no time was the Pope planning a trip to the United States this year.” The claims had surfaced amid an increasingly public clash between the Vatican and Mr Trump, who has criticised the pontiff over global issues including conflict and security. But Mr Prevost made clear his brother is not seeking confrontation, insisting his message remains focused on peace. My brother’s speaking for peace and peace and equality for all people,” he said. “That’s all he’s saying. He doesn’t want to get into a debate, he doesn’t want to argue – that’s his message to the world.”
Speaking during a visit to Cameroon, the pontiff condemned “tyrants” and the “masters of war” who pour billions into destruction while neglecting peace, education and recovery.
He warned of an “endless cycle of destabilisation and death” and urged a decisive change of course, as he criticised those who exploit religion for political and military gain.
The intervention came after Mr Trump unleashed an extraordinary tirade against the Pope on Truth Social, branding him “very liberal”, “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy”.
In a further escalation, the US President also sparked backlash by sharing an AI-generated image appearing to depict himself as Jesus Christ.
The increasingly bitter war of words has drawn in other world leaders, with Giorgia Meloni condemning Mr Trump’s remarks as “unacceptable” and backing the Pope’s calls for peace.
The president has repeatedly praised Pope Leo’s eldest brother – an avid Trump supporter who lives in Florida.
When asked to respond to Leo’s masters of wars remarks ”, ABC news reported that Trump said it would be “nice ” for the pope not to say that.
Asked if he would want meet with the pope to even out their differences, Trump added, “I don’t think it’s necessary.”
Although there are no plans for the Pope to return to the US, gifts from his home country continue to pour in, according to his sibling, including Chicago deep dish pizza and a range of other items.
