In a moment that captured the attention of the global community, Pope Leo XIV’s first press conference as head of the Catholic Church has left many wondering if his remarks were a veiled critique of U.S. President Donald Trump. The comments, which centered around communication and understanding, came shortly after Trump made an unusual claim that he played a role in the selection of the new pope—a statement that, if anything, seemed to add to the drama surrounding his appointment.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American to be appointed as the leader of the Catholic Church, took office amid much fanfare. His selection marks a historic moment for the Vatican, but the circumstances surrounding his appointment and Trump’s response to it added an unexpected layer to the event. Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, implied that his return to the White House played a significant part in the election of Pope Leo XIV, despite the fact that the pope’s selection is entirely the result of a conclave process and is not influenced by external political figures.
Trump’s Claim: Taking Credit for the Pope’s Selection