Pope Leo XIV comes into his own with Trump spat

By Agence France-Presse

Apr 19, 2026 12:01 am

VATICAN CITY — Mild-mannered and measured no longer: United States President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy Iran’s centuries-old civilization was the red line that prompted Pope Leo XIV to show his colors, analysts say.

The first US-born pope, elected on May 8, 2025, had been largely leaving criticism of the Trump administration — from its warmongering to its crackdown on immigrants — to US bishops.

Already have an active account? Log in here to continue reading.
Or
Subscribe to the Premium Subscription plan to access this subscriber-exclusive article.

Related Articles

2026 UN Water Conference: The UAE's blueprint for water resilience and UAE–Philippines cooperation

In Idaho, the next generation of US nuclear reactors nears reality

Why Beijing engages Manila’s Chinese press

The promise and peril of AGI

The alarming rise of HIV cases in the Philippines: Why we cannot look away

Energy and infrastructure: Billions of dollars of uneconomic decisions we pay for again?

The Philippines and China: Friendship beyond disputes