Pope Leo XIV’s first big press conference as the new head of the Catholic Church had a few people raising their eyebrows, especially because of what some think was a subtle jab at Donald Trump.
Leo just made history by becoming the first American ever chosen to lead the Catholic world. But in a weird twist, Trump popped up online claiming that he kind of helped make that happen.
Trump claims credit for the pope’s appointment
Even though the pope was picked by a conclave, a process Trump has nothing to do with, he still suggested that his return to the White House somehow played a part in Leo landing the job.
On May 12, Trump jumped on Truth Social and basically said that since he “won the Catholic vote,” it helped Pope Leo get picked.
At the same time, he went after ABC’s Martha Raddatz for questioning that idea.
He lashes out at the media while boosting his role
In one of his usual fired-up posts, Trump wrote: “So funny to watch old timer Martha Raditz on ABC Fake News (the Slopadopolus show!) this morning, blurt out that, effectively, Pope Leo’s selection had nothing to do with Donald Trump.
“It came out of nowhere, but it was on her Trump Deranged Mind. Remember, I did WIN the Catholic Vote, by a lot! Bob Iger should do something about the losers and haters he’s got on his low rated shows. It’s time for change. MAGA!!!”
Pope Leo gives his first press conference as pope
Just a few hours after Trump’s post, Pope Leo held his first press conference.
And even though he didn’t mention Trump by name, some people saw his tone and comments as a quiet response, especially since it’s no secret the two don’t exactly share the same vibe.
Speaking to reporters in Italian at the Vatican, Leo focused on connection, respect, and being open.
He actually thanked journalists, which is a bit different from how Trump usually talks about the press.
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The pope emphasizes peace in communication
Pope Leo said: “The way we communicate is of fundamental importance: We must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images, we must reject the paradigm of war.
“Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism, and even hatred; let us free it from aggression. We do not need loud, forceful communication, but rather communication that is capable of listening and of gathering the voices of the weak who have no voice.”
He praises courageous journalism
The pope went on to talk about how much he respects journalists, especially the ones who risk their lives doing tough assignments.
He gave them real credit for the work they do and what it costs them personally.
He said: “The Church recognizes these witnesses — I am thinking of those who report on war even at the cost of their lives — the courage of those who defend dignity, justice, and the right of people to be informed, because only informed individuals can make free choices.”
Many see the pope’s message as a Trump dig
The part where he said we don’t need “loud, forceful communication” had a bunch of folks online thinking, hey, that sounds like a swipe at Trump.
Especially with his all-caps posts and usual rants.
One person on Twitter even replied to the pope’s speech with: “Cc: @WhiteHouse @realDonaldTrump”
A bunch of others online chimed in too, saying the whole thing felt like the pope was “shading Trump.”
The pope’s message for America leaves plenty to read into
Near the end of the press conference, a reporter from NewsNation, Robert Sherman, asked Pope Leo if he had “any message for the United States.”
His answer? Subtle and straight to the point: “Many. God bless you all.”