Just after Donald Trump made a surprising claim about influencing the pope’s appointment, Pope Leo addressed a press gathering with remarks that many believe were subtly aimed at the former U.S. President.
On May 11, during a live broadcast from the Vatican, ABC’s Martha Raddatz hosted a roundtable discussion on Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Sunday blessing. She was joined by ABC News senior national correspondent Terry Moran.
“We wondered how much the U.S. and President Trump’s moment mattered,” Moran said of the historic appointment – marking the first time an American had been chosen to lead the Catholic Church. “It turns out, not at all. It was [Cardinal Robert] Prevost that mattered.”
“That’s the narrative being shared here,” Raddatz concurred, referring to the Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost, who had been selected as pope.
This suggestion that Trump wasn’t a factor in this decision caused a stir back in the White House.
Response to the Media
In response to the discussion, Trump took to Truth Social, posting a peculiar message where he criticized Raddatz and ABC. He also insinuated that he played a significant role in Pope Leo XIV’s selection.
“It’s amusing watching Martha Raditz on ABC Fake News this morning declare that Pope Leo’s selection wasn’t influenced by Donald Trump,” he wrote, following the pope’s first Sunday blessing at St. Peter’s Square.
“It seems to come from her Trump-obsessive mind. Remember, I won the Catholic Vote decisively! Bob Iger should address the biased and unsuccessful personnel on his failing shows. Time for a change. MAGA!”
Reactions to Trump’s Claims
Stunned by Trump’s assertions, many users commented on his Truth Social post on social media, one even describing his comment as “deplorable.”
“Is such behavior acceptable from the former President? Deplorable,” one user remarked.
Another added, “Trump’s claiming involvement in the pope’s election is just embarrassing.” Others chimed in, “What a narcissist! Trump’s trying to take credit for Pope Leo XIV’s election. Does he understand Americans don’t choose the Pope?”
A Call for Balanced Communication
On May 12, shortly after Trump’s post circulated online, Pope Leo addressed reporters in Vatican City. He delivered a speech emphasizing peace, openness, and the fundamental role of free speech and journalism.
“How we communicate is crucial: We must advocate for peace, avoiding contentious word battles,” Leo said during his speech to over 1,000 journalists, translated by Reuters. “Let’s remove hostility from our communications and embrace fairness, freeing it from aggression.”
He urged for the release of imprisoned journalists, adding, “Their suffering challenges global conscience, urging everyone to protect the precious right to free speech and press freedom.”
Implications and Reactions
Although Pope Leo didn’t explicitly reference Trump or the U.S. administration, his remarks resonated with those familiar with heated communication styles seen in Washington, including late-night rants from Trump filled with personal insults.
Many online perceived the pontiff’s message as a discreet response to Trump’s recent attention-seeking assertion.
“New Pope delivers a speech seemingly aimed at Trump,” one user tweeted.
Another shared, “While Trump rants about ‘fake news,’ the Pope stands for free speech.”
Pope Leo concluded his speech by mingling with the crowd, responding to a query from NewsNation’s Robert Sherman about offering a message to America with: “Many,” ensuring a warm, “God bless you all.”
Though Trump hasn’t officially commented on the Pope’s address, his Truth Social post continues to generate discussion and skepticism. Meanwhile, Vatican officials seem content to let speculation simmer in the media as they pursue Pope Leo’s vision of unity and open dialogue.
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