Pope Leo has addressed the US for first time with a bold message on the same day Donald Trump held a $45 million military parade.
On Saturday (June 14), President Donald Trump celebrated his 79th birthday party with a huge historic military parade through Washington, DC.
The power of the military went on full display in the parade, with tanks and aircrafts spanning the decades as well as parachuters from the sky and more than 6,000 uniformed soldiers in period consumes patrolling through the capital in the first of its kind since the end of the Gulf War in 1991.
Now, Pope Leo XIV addressed the nation in a rather unusual address – from the Chicago White Sox stadium – with a message that appears to snub the $45 million event.
The POTUS celebrated the military on his 79th birthday with a huge parade (Doug Mills – Pool/Getty Images)
Supporters of the head of the Roman Catholic Church gathered at the Rate Field baseball stadium the pope once attended as a South Side native and White Sox fan to hear his first message to North America.
The pre-recorded message from the Vatican was intended to celebrate his roots in Chicago and to offer words of comfort to young people.
Pope Leo acknowledged the adversity youngsters have faced during and since the Covid-19 pandemic, saying it inspired ‘moments of anxiety, of loneliness’ and ‘depression and sadness’.
He encouraged those from the field to attend local parishes where they can ‘discover the love of god is truly healing’.
The pope delivered a message to his home stadium from the Vatican (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
“You are the promise of hope for so many of us. The world looks to you … we need you,” he said.
Then, in what some might interpret as a dig at the president’s military parade, he added: “We have to look beyond our egotistical ways to promote hope.
“That light … on the horizon is not easy to see and yet as we grow in our unity, we can discover that light growing brighter and brighter and we can become that message of hope to promote peace and unity throughout the world,” Leo added.
He concluded by encouraging people to ‘do something in our own lives to serve one another’.
“In that service to others … we may find the true meaning in our life,” he said.
Dozens packed into the stadium to hear Pope Leo’s first address to Chicago (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
The message of hope comes in direct contrast to the POTUS‘ eight-minute-long speech where he boasted of the US army’s military prowess to the alleged 250,000-strong crowd.
Trump said in part: “Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too.
“We’re the hottest country in the world right now,” he continued. “If you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you.”
The event was also hit by protesters who deliberately organized a clash with the celebration.
The ‘No Kings’ demonstrators said they did so to ‘draw a clear contrast between our people-powered movement and the costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade in Washington’.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Vatican Pool
Topics: Pope Leo, Donald Trump, Chicago, Religion, Politics, US News
Liv Bridge
Every resurfaced criticism new Pope Leo has made about Trump’s policies as he’s named first American pope in history
There are a few things which are particularly ‘problematic’…
Donald Trump may’ve posted his stamp of approval for the new pope, but has he seen the resurfaced criticism of his own policies from Pope Francis’ successor?
Pope Francis’ successor was officially announced yesterday (May 8), with the role of head of the Catholic Church going to 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost – whose papal name is Pope Leo XIV.
Overjoyed with the news of the next pope being the first American in history to take the role, Donald Trump was quick to take to Truth Social in jubilation – despite joking about donning the miter himself alongside offending multiple Catholics with a ‘blasphemous’ AI-generated image, that is.
However, resurfaced posts seemingly indicating the new pope’s thoughts about Trump and his policies have since come to light – the question is, has Trump seen and what would he say?
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
The new pope was born in Chicago in September, 1955, according to Vatican News.
He studied at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, receiving a diploma in theology, before entering the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and giving his solemn vows in 1981.
He was ordained a priest in Rome in 1982 and obtained his licentiate in 1984, created a cardinal in 2024 by Pope Francis.
Some of Pope Leo’s beliefs follow in a similar vein to those of his predecessor Pope Francis – the new pope a strong supporter of synodality – making the Church more inclusive and participatory, as per the College of Cardinal Report.
He has been outspoken about the urgent need for action to tackle climate change. However, when it comes to ordaining female deacons, Pope Leo has argued against ‘clericalizing women’.
And when it comes to blessing same sex couples, he’s expressed reservations about ‘sympathy for beliefs and practices that contradict the gospel’.
Pope Leo also seemingly has reservations about Trump’s policies too, with multiple resurfaced tweets having come to light in recent days.
Pope Leo XIV has taken over from Pope Francis (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
What has Pope Leo said about Trump?
Most recently, Leo reposted a tweet which reads: “As Trump & Bukele use Oval to Feds’ illicit deportation of a US resident, once an undoc-ed Salvadorean himself, now-DC Aux +Evelio asks, ‘Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?'”
The Independent also reported Leo as resharing a tweet which reads: “There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents and warehouses them in cages. This is being carried out in our name and the shame is on us all.”
The newly elected pope has also hit out at Trump’s vice president JD Vance, resharing an op-ed from the National Catholic Reporter titled: “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
The article came after comments Vance made to Fox News in February earlier this year, Vance saying: “There is a Christian concept that you love your family and then you love your neighbor, and then you love your community, and then you love your fellow citizens, and then after that, prioritize the rest of the world.
“A lot of the far left has completely inverted that.”
And Leo’s apparent criticism of Trump’s policies date even further back than that too, with one post being from 10 years ago.
Pope Leo has reshared a fair few posts which criticise Trump’s policies ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
In July 2015, Leo’s account reposted an article by New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan for The Washington Post.
The article is titled: “Why Donald Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric is so problematic.”
The resurfaced comments follow shortly after Trump took to Truth Social to react to the announcement of the newly appointed pope.
Trump’s still spoken out in approval of the new pope (Al Drago/Getty Images)
What has Trump said about Pope Leo?
In a post to Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.
“I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Featured Image Credit: TIZIANA FABI/Getty
Topics: Donald Trump, Pope Francis, Religion, US News, Pope Leo
Poppy Bilderbeck
New Pope Leo’s comments about Trump policies resurface after he’s named first American pope in history
It follows Donald Trump praising Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost in a post to Truth Social. Awks.
Pope Leo XIV’s Twitter history has resurfaced and US President Donald Trump might have something to say about it…
Following Pope Francis passing away at the age of 88 last month, after the appropriate nine-day period of mourning, the question on many people’s lips was who would be the next in line to take on the role of head of the Church.
Earlier today (May 8), it was revealed Pope Francis’ successor had been formally chosen by the conclave and the new pope unveiled as Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, – who’s papal name is Pope Leo XIV.
The newly appointed pope marks a significant moment in history in becoming the first American pope to be elected into the position.
Despite joking about donning the miter himself alongside offending multiple Catholics with a ‘blasphemous’ AI-generated image, Donald Trump was ultimately overjoyed with the news – but has he forgotten what Pope Leo XIV has previously said about his policies in several posts to Twitter?
Most recently, Prevost reposted a tweet which reads: “As Trump & Bukele use Oval to Feds’ illicit deportation of a US resident, once an undoc-ed Salvadorean himself, now-DC Aux +Evelio asks, ‘Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?'”
The Independent also reported Prevost as resharing a tweet which reads: “There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents and warehouses them in cages. This is being carried out in our name and the shame is on us all.”
The newly elected pope has also hit out at Trump’s vice president JD Vance, resharing an op-ed from the National Catholic Reporter titled: “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
The article came after comments Vance made to Fox News in February earlier this year, Vance saying: “There is a Christian concept that you love your family and then you love your neighbor, and then you love your community, and then you love your fellow citizens, and then after that, prioritize the rest of the world.
“A lot of the far left has completely inverted that.”
The resurfaced comments follow shortly after Trump took to Truth Social to react to the announcement of the newly appointed pope.
Awks. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
In a post to Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.
“I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Featured Image Credit: ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, Religion, US News, Pope Leo
Poppy Bilderbeck
Pope Leo gives ‘unsettling’ five-word statement when asked to send message to the United States
Pope Leo was recently elected as Pope Francis’ successor
Pope Leo XIV gave a short and blunt answer when asked if he had a message for America.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday (May 12), newly elected Pope Leo chatted to the media and appeared to throw shade at President Donald Trump.
“The way we communicate is of fundamental importance,” he said of the Church’s relationship with the media. “We must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images, we must reject the paradigm of war.”
Pope Leo continued: “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.”
In light of his sentiments, many suggested that the ‘loud, forceful communication’ part of his address may have been aimed at Trump, who is known for his ramblings on social media.
In one of his recent posts to Truth Social, the president alluded to the idea that his own presidential campaign had helped Pope Leo be elected as pontiff.
Following the news conference, Pope Leo, the world’s first American pope, was asked if he had a message he wanted to give to the US.
Pope Leo is the first ever American to be elected as pope (Simone Risoluti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
“Many,” he replied. “God bless you all.”
People have since reacted to the pope’s five-word statement online, as one person described his words as ‘menacing’, writing: “This is the most menacing thing I’ve seen a Pope say in my entire life.”
“You know it’s serious when even the Pope sounds like he’s got receipts and plans,” said another, while a third wrote: “This wasn’t a message this was a warning disguised as a blessing and I’m shook.”
“I’ve never heard two syllables sound more powerful and unsettling at the same time,” added someone else.
Pope Leo XIV met with journalists from around the globe in Rome on Monday. When NewsNation asked if he had a message for the United States, he said, “God bless you all.” More: newsnationnow.com/religion/pope-… @RobertShermanTV
Some experts have forecast that the new pope will challenge Trump and his views.
UK theologian Professor Anna Rowlands said she thinks the pontiff will be able to avoid confrontation while also challenging them.
Speaking from Rome, she told the PA news agency: “I think he might have this way of being quite a disarming presence. He’s gentle, he’s thoughtful. He’s almost all the opposite characteristics to Trump.
“So if you think about somebody quiet and not boisterous, someone who thinks before they speak, someone who is centred.
Reports have suggested that the new pope is expected to challenge President Trump (ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
There’s a kind of serenity about him. And he’s very unassuming. He’s almost exactly the opposite human characteristics to Donald Trump, and that could work in an interesting way.”
“He’s unlikely to be confrontational, I think, because of his nature, and yet I think the content of what he says will be quite challenging,” Prof Rowlands went on to say of the pope’s eventual meeting with Trump.
“I think he won’t want to simply judge Donald Trump. I think he will genuinely want to engage in a fruitful dialogue towards genuine human good, a just peace, security in the world, a genuine orientation towards real values – those are the kind of things he will want to enter into dialogue with the US administration on.”
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/NewsNation
Topics: Pope Leo, Donald Trump, Religion, World News, Social Media, US News
Niamh Shackleton
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Pope Leo ‘shades’ Donald Trump after president seemingly tried to take credit for historical event
Pope Leo issued a statement contrasting Trump’s latest claim online
Pope Leo XIV’s comments at his first ever press conference as head of the Catholic Church have been interpreted as a subtle dig at Trump – after the US president seemed to take credit for him getting the role in the first place.
Pope Leo’s appointment marked the first time in history that an American had been voted in to take the position as leader of the Catholic world.
And surprisingly Trump argued that his return to the White House played a role in this, despite him not having anything to do with the conclave process that selects a new pope.
Writing on Truth Social on May 12, Trump insisted because he ‘won the Catholic vote’ he had influenced the appointment of Pope Leo.
He made this rather odd claim while taking shots at ABC’s Martha Raddatz.
In a post, he 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.
Trump suggested he influenced the pope’s selection during a rant on Truth Social(Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“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!!!”
Hours later, Pope Leo delivered his first press conference, which has ironically been interpreted by some as a ‘shade’ at Trump – who, if his past tweets are anything to go by, he doesn’t see eye to eye with.
Speaking to journalists in Italian at a press conference at the Vatican on May 12, he called for more understanding and open dialogue and praised journalists for their work, vastly contrasting Trump’s usual attack on the media.
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.
Pope Leo called for the end of a war of words between people and praised journalists(ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
“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.”
Speaking more generally about journalists who work the most dangerous of jobs, he praised them for their dedication to their craft, even at the cost of their well-being.
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 thought his message about ‘loud, forceful communication’ was a dig at Trump given his frequent all caps Truth Social posts and divisive comments, with one Twitter user commenting on a tweet about the pope’s speech: “Cc: @WhiteHouse @realDonaldTrump”
Others described the comments as ‘shading Trump’.
Following the press conference, the pope was asked by NewsNation correspondent Robert Sherman if he had ‘any message for the United States’.
His loaded reply was: “Many. God bless you all.”
