Pope Leo XIV’s debut press conference as the newly elected head of the Catholic Church has sparked widespread speculation that he subtly took aim at Donald Trump—after the former U.S. president bizarrely suggested he had a hand in the pope’s election.
Leo’s appointment marked a historic moment, being the first time an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church. However, Trump oddly claimed credit for the development, despite playing no role in the conclave—the centuries-old process by which a new pope is selected.
Posting on Truth Social on May 12, Trump wrote that his return to the White House, and the fact that he “won the Catholic vote,” somehow helped pave the way for Pope Leo’s rise.
While attacking ABC’s Martha Raddatz, Trump said: “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!!!”
Later that same day, Pope Leo addressed the press for the first time, and some of his remarks were seen as a subtle critique of Trump, whose public comments and online posts are often inflammatory and combative.
Speaking in Italian from the Vatican on May 12, the pope emphasized the importance of respectful and empathetic communication—an apparent contrast to Trump’s usual bombastic rhetoric and hostility toward the press.
“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,” Pope Leo said.
“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 went on to commend the bravery and dedication of journalists who report from the world’s most dangerous places—often at great personal risk.
“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.”
Observers were quick to draw connections between Pope Leo’s remarks and Trump’s signature style of communication. Many noted the contrast between the pope’s call for humility and the former president’s typically loud and confrontational tone. One Twitter user replied to a tweet about the pope’s speech with: “Cc: @WhiteHouse @realDonaldTrump”
Others labeled the comments as the pope “shading Trump.”
At the conclusion of the press conference, NewsNation reporter Robert Sherman asked Pope Leo if he had “any message for the United States.”
With a smile, the pope simply replied: “Many. God bless you all.”