At his first press conference as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV made comments that many saw as a subtle jab at Donald Trump—who had oddly claimed credit for the pope’s appointment.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Remember, I did WIN the Catholic Vote, by a lot!” He claimed his re-election helped influence the pope’s selection, despite having no role in the conclave. He also mocked ABC’s Martha Raddatz, saying she suggested his claim was baseless, adding: “It came out of nowhere, but it was on her Trump Deranged Mind.”
Just hours later, Pope Leo spoke to journalists in Italian, calling for peaceful, respectful communication: “We must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images… Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment.”