Pope Leo’s remarks about avoiding “loud, forceful communication” led many to believe he was indirectly criticizing Donald Trump, who had recently suggested his campaign helped get Leo elected.
As the first American pope, Leo is expected to engage with the U.S. in a new way. “We do not need loud, forceful communication,” he said, emphasizing the need to listen and uplift the unheard.
Experts say Pope Leo is likely to challenge Trump’s views — not through confrontation, but with calm conviction. Theologian Anna Rowlands described him as “gentle, thoughtful… the opposite characteristics to Trump,” adding that “the content of what he says will be quite challenging.”
