Trump’s comments on Pope Leo called ‘disrespectful’ as Americans react
Catholic bishops and U.S. elected officials have publicly criticized the president’s statements about Pope Leo XIV.
President Donald Trump called Leo “weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy” in a lengthy social media post April 12 that drew response from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and elected officials.
Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, called Trump’s attack on Pope Leo XIV “disrespectful." Barron, who serves on Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, said in a post on X that Trump’s comments “were entirely inappropriate and disrespectful” and “I think the president owes the pope an apology.”
“[Trump’s comments] don’t contribute at all to a constructive conversation,” he said. “It is the pope’s prerogative to articulate Catholic doctrine and the principles that govern the moral life. In regard to the concrete application of those principles, people of goodwill can and do disagree.”
Barron encouraged Catholic Trump officials to arrange a meeting with Vatican officials “so that a real dialogue can take place,” saying “this is far preferable to the statements on social media.”
Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, said in a social media post: “Along with Archbishop [Paul] Coakley, president of the USCCB, and my brother bishops, I was disheartened by recent comments from President Trump concerning Pope Leo XIV and the Church. I pray that civility and respect are fully restored as together, with God’s grace, we work for peace and harmony among all people. May we also be united in our prayer for the end of war and violence so that Christ’s peace reigns throughout the world and in our hearts.”
Palm Beach, Florida, Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez posted on X: “The @DiocesePB stands firm with our Holy Father, @Pontifex, and strongly rejects the disrespectful and violent attacks that Donald J. Trump has directed against the Holy Father.”
Buffalo, New York, Bishop Michael Fisher posted on X: “This is not about politics but the very cause of humanity.”
The Catholic Association's Ashley McGuire said in a statement: “The Catholic Church does not in any way fit into American political boxes. It will always prioritize the protection of innocent life in all its stages as well as the cause of the poor and marginalized. Insulting the pope, and all Catholics by extension, with the hope of making the Church bend to American political agendas, is discouraging and counterproductive.”
McGuire added: “We pray that President Trump apologizes to Pope Leo.”
U.S. officials' reaction begins
Republican Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, has not yet commented on the matter, nor has Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also a Catholic.
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, who is Catholic, posted on X that “I find it abhorrent that the president of the United States would publicly attack the successor of St. Peter.”
U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on X that Trump “shamefully attacked” the pope. Few Republican elected officials have spoken out.
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Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X: “Hey @GOP, you good with your guy directly attacking the pope now?”
Rep. Lukas Schubert, a Republican Montana state lawmaker, disputed the presidentʼs statement that the pope is a “liberal person.”
“Pope Leo is significantly further to the right than President Trump on abortion, gay marriage, and family values. Also he is more America First on the Iran War,” Schubert said.
AI image
Trump also posted an AI-created image on Truth Social that appeared to portray himself as Jesus Christ, healing the sick, which led several Catholics to accuse the president of blasphemy.
Edward Feser, a Catholic philosopher and professor at Pasadena City College, posted on X that Trump’s comments illustrate “how utter enslavement to the sin of pride makes a man unsuitable for the presidency.”
“For all their faults, previous presidents had the visceral understanding of proper boundaries not to attack the vicar of Christ even when they disagreed with him,” he said.
Feser quoted Daniel 11:36-37 in response to Trump’s AI image of himself as Christ, which reads: “And the king shall do according to his will; he shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods … He shall not give heed to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all.”
In reaction to the AI photo, Matt Fradd, the host of “Pints With Aquinas,“ urged Catholics to “offer a rosary today for Donald Trump and all blasphemers. ... Seriously. Do it. I will too.”
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Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, did not directly reference Trumpʼs remarks about the pope but criticized the AI-created image on X: “There aren’t enough words to denounce how wrong this is.”
The comments came after Leo criticized the Iran war and Trump’s rhetoric about targeting the entire civilization of Iran. Leo said in response to the post: “I have no fear neither of the Trump administration nor of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel.”
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Republican congresswoman who was a strong ally of Trump before splitting with him on the Iran war and his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, posted on X that Trump “attacked the pope because the pope is rightly against Trump’s war in Iran and then he posted this picture of himself as if he is replacing Jesus.”
“This comes after last week’s post of his evil tirade on Easter and then threatening to kill an entire civilization,” she said. “I completely denounce this and I’m praying against it!!!”
‘Fuels division’
Father Robert Sirico, the founder of the Acton Institute, said in a statement that Leo “has both the right and the duty to speak prophetically on matters of war and peace, the dignity of the human person, and the moral limits of force — even when his words discomfort political leaders.”
He said Trump’s post does not “strengthen America’s moral standing but “merely fuels division.”
Sirico also added that Catholics can disagree with popes on prudential judgments, such as foreign policy or crime, which he said are not infallible: “The Church herself teaches that such applications of principle admit of legitimate debate.”
This story was updated at 11:50 a.m. ET on April 13, 2026, with comments from Buffalo, New York, Bishop Michael Fisher and The Catholic Associationʼs Ashley McGuire.
Pope Leo XIV in Algeria: ‘I am here among you as a pilgrim of peace’
ALGIERS, Algeria — Pope Leo XIV on Monday presented himself to Algeria’s diplomatic corps and civil society as “a pilgrim of peace,” urging a more just international order, warning against exclusion and inequality, and praising those who refuse to be “blinded by power or wealth.”
Peace remained the central theme of the pope’s first day in Algeria, following his earlier stop at the Martyrs’ Memorial, where he delivered an appeal for peace and reconciliation.
Speaking in French at the Djamaa el Djazair Conference Center, Leo recalled his previous visits to Algeria in 2001 and 2013 to Annaba, the ancient see of St. Augustine, whose spiritual legacy has long shaped the Augustinian order to which the pope belongs.
“I am here among you as a pilgrim of peace, eager to meet the noble Algerian people,” the pope said. “We are brothers and sisters, for we have the same Father in heaven.”
Leo said the “profound religious sense of the Algerian people” fosters “a culture of encounter and reconciliation,” adding that his visit also seeks to be a sign of that spirit.
“In a world full of conflicts and misunderstandings, let us meet and strive for mutual understanding, recognizing that we are one family!” he said. “Today, the simplicity of this awareness is the key to opening many doors that are closed.”
Addressing an audience of about 1,400 people from civil society and the diplomatic corps, the pope praised the resilience of the Algerian people, saying they had never been defeated by their trials because of their spirit of solidarity, hospitality, and community.
“They are the truly strong ones, to whom the future belongs: those who do not allow themselves to be blinded by power or wealth, and those who refuse to sacrifice the dignity of their fellow citizens for the sake of personal or collective gain,” he said.
Leo also highlighted the Algerian understanding of hospitality and almsgiving, reflected in the word “sadaka,” which he noted can also mean justice.
“The one who accumulates wealth and remains indifferent to others is unjust,” the pope said, calling this vision of justice both “simple and radical” because it recognizes the image of God in others. “Indeed, a religion without mercy and a society without solidarity are a scandal in God’s eyes.”
At the same time, he warned that many societies that consider themselves advanced are falling ever deeper into inequality and exclusion, while “people and organizations that dominate others destroy the world.” He said Africa knows this reality well and suggested that Algeria’s historical experience gives it a critical perspective on global power balances.
“If you are able to engage in dialogue regarding the concerns of all and show solidarity with the sufferings of so many countries near and far, then you will be able to contribute to both envisioning and bringing about greater justice among peoples,” Leo said.
He added that this task is especially urgent “in the face of continuous violations of international law and neocolonial tendencies.”
Drawing on the teaching of Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, Leo called on Algeria’s authorities not to fear a broader social participation by those on the margins.
“I therefore urge those of you who hold positions of authority in this country not to fear this outlook but to promote a vibrant, dynamic, and free civil society, in which young people in particular are recognized as capable of helping to broaden the horizon of hope for all,” he said.
“The true strength of a nation lies in the cooperation of everyone in pursuing the common good,” he continued. “Authorities are called not to dominate but to serve the people and foster their development.”
The pope also pointed to Algeria’s unique role as “a bridge between North and South, and between East and West,” describing the Mediterranean and the Sahara as geographical and spiritual crossroads rich with human and cultural meaning.
“Woe to us if we turn them into graveyards where hope also dies!” he said. “Let us multiply oases of peace; let us denounce and remove the causes of despair; and let us oppose those who profit from the misfortune of others!”
“For illicit are the gains of those who exploit human life, whose dignity is inviolable,” he added.
Leo then broadened his reflection to the place of religion in modern society, noting that Algeria, like much of the world, experiences tensions between religious sensibility and modern life. He warned against both fundamentalism and secularization when they distort the true sense of God and human dignity.
“Religious symbols and words can become, on the one hand, blasphemous languages of violence and oppression, or on the other, empty signs in the immense marketplace of consumption that does not satisfy us,” he said.
Still, the pope insisted that such polarization should not lead to despair.
“We must educate people in critical thinking and freedom, in listening and dialogue, and in the trust that leads us to recognize in those who are different fellow travelers and not threats,” he said. “We must work toward the healing of memory and reconciliation among former adversaries.”
In his introduction, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune called Leo’s presence the first visit of a pope to Algeria and said it gave the occasion “a unique resonance.” He invoked both St. Augustine and Emir Abdelkader as enduring models at a time of accelerating change and weakening moral values.
Tebboune also praised the pope’s moral authority and his support for social justice while reaffirming Algeria’s commitment to working with the Holy Father to promote dialogue, coexistence, and cooperation over division and conflict.
This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
Argentine bishop offers advice to young people who wish to enter politics
Bishop Juan Ignacio Liébana of Chascomús in Argentina issued a message to young people wishing to enter politics in which he reflected on the characteristics that those aspiring to undertake the task must possess, with particular emphasis on the common good.
The prelate, who is also a member of the Social Pastoral Commission, noted in his letter that politics is “one of the noblest tasks” and is “charity exercised at its highest level.”
“It means administering what belongs to everyone; it means engaging in dialogue, listening, enduring tensions, and always seeking what is just, good, and appropriate while looking out for the most vulnerable, working for the common good, and fostering processes of friendship and social dialogue,” he explained.
He asked that anyone who “enters politics” be a person of integrity, someone “who does not toy with the dreams and hopes of a people.”
He outlined several essential qualities and habits that aspiring politicians should cultivate.
According to the bishop, such a person should be austere, possess a deep spirituality, and be firmly rooted in values and principles.
The bishop advised that politicians should always keep close at hand a list of their campaign promises and deepest aspirations, so they can periodically hold themselves accountable and undertake a sincere examination of conscience.
He emphasized the importance of humility, urging politicians not to become enamored of their own image. Instead, they should know how to “renounce and die” to themselves and to their own petty interests.
They should be quick to ask for forgiveness and know how to step away from their work each day to rest, pray, and reflect, enjoying with sobriety the simple things in life — nature, family, wholesome friendship, and serene prayer.
Liébana added that politicians must never lose their tenderness, their smile, or their simplicity and should make time to play with their own children and visit their elders.
He warned against the allure of luxury, stating that politicians should not be enamored of travel, the “high life,” or extravagant living, as these temptations often lead to the misuse of power and distance them from the realities of ordinary people.
The bishop also stressed the need for good and honest companions, recommending that politicians surround themselves with true friends who are willing to correct them directly and honestly. He advised always having a wise person nearby to consult, listen to, and learn from.
Finally, Liébana called for a clear understanding of one’s innermost motivations for entering politics. If the goal is to make money, become famous, have a good time, or gain recognition, he said, then the person is mistaken about the nature of the vocation.
“The temptations are many; that’s why one must stand firm,” the prelate emphasized. In his view, politics “should be a place for the best, the most virtuous, and not ‘a den of thieves.’”
“We cannot continue to toy with the future of our people, who are already weary and fed up with so much narcissism and mediocrity. This applies equally to every public servant, including us who are consecrated religious,” he pointed out.
“Let us ask God to raise up vocations of public servants who are enthusiastic and passionate, sober and austere, simple and humble — ordinary men and women who are approachable, and filled with tenderness and love for our beloved Argentina. Our homeland deserves it,” he emphasized.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
Pope Leo XIV in Algeria: ‘The future belongs to men and women of peace’
ALGIERS, Algeria — Pope Leo XIV arrived in Algeria on Monday and delivered his first address in the country at the Maqam Echahid Martyrs’ Monument, where he urged forgiveness and said that “the future belongs to men and women of peace.”
The visit marked the first time a pope has set foot in Algeria. After a roughly two-hour flight, Leo traveled first not to meet diplomats or civil authorities but to the national monument honoring those who died in Algeria’s struggle for independence.
In intermittent rain, the pope laid a wreath at the monument and paused in prayer as a military band played. He then addressed those gathered, opening with the greeting: “Peace be with you! As-salamu alaykum!”
Leo said he had come to Algeria “as the successor of the apostle Peter” but “first and foremost as a brother” seeking to renew bonds of affection. Looking at the Algerian people, he said, “I see the face of a strong and young people, whose hospitality and fraternity I have experienced frequently.”
“In the Algerian heart, friendship, trust, and solidarity are not merely words but values that matter and give warmth and strength to your life together,” the pope said.
Reflecting on Algeria’s history, Leo acknowledged both its deep traditions and its painful periods of violence. “Our presence here at this monument pays tribute to this history of Algeria and to the very spirit of a people who fought for the independence, dignity, and sovereignty of this nation,” he said.
The pope then turned to his central theme: peace rooted in justice, dignity, and forgiveness.
“God desires peace for every nation: a peace that is not merely an absence of conflict but one that is an expression of justice and dignity,” he said. “This peace, which allows us to face the future with a reconciled spirit, is possible only through forgiveness.”
“The true struggle for liberation will be definitively won only when peace in our hearts has finally been achieved,” Leo added. “I know how difficult it is to forgive. However, as conflicts continue to multiply throughout the world, we cannot add resentment upon resentment, generation after generation.”
He continued: “The future belongs to men and women of peace. In the end, justice will always triumph over injustice, just as violence, despite all appearances, will never have the last word.”
Speaking in a country shaped by multiple cultures and religions, Leo said “mutual respect is the path that enables everyone to walk together” and expressed hope that Algeria would continue contributing “to stability and dialogue within the international community and along the shores of the Mediterranean.”
The pope also praised the place of faith in Algerian society, saying that “faith in God has a central place in your heritage.”
“A nation that loves God possesses true wealth, and the Algerian people cherish this jewel as one of their treasures,” he said. “Our world needs believers like this — men and women of faith who thirst for justice and unity.”
Leo warned against the false promise of material wealth, saying there are those who “search for riches that fade away, deceive, and disappoint, and which sadly often end up corrupting the human heart, giving rise to envy, rivalry, and conflict.” Quoting Christ, he asked: “For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?”
He said the dead honored at the monument had already answered that question: “They lost their lives but in doing so, they gave them up for the love of their own people.”
“May their example sustain the people of Algeria and all of us on our journey, for true freedom is not merely inherited, it is chosen anew every day,” the pope said.
Leo concluded by reading the beatitudes.
The pope landed in Algiers at about 10:30 a.m. local time and was welcomed at the airport before a private greeting with Algeria’s president. Because Catholics make up only a small minority in the country, the visit is not expected to feature large crowds.
Still, the city prepared carefully for the papal arrival, with some facades refreshed, roads repaved, green spaces embellished, and large flower pots placed along part of the route.
Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, archbishop of Algiers, welcomed Leo by describing the Algerian people as proud yet marked by a painful history. He said they are “strong in their youth” while still bearing the memory of martyrs from different eras, including the colonial period, the war of independence, and the violence of the 1990s and 2000s.
This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
‘Even Just One of These Children’ is theme for 2026 World Day of Migrants and Refugees
“Even Just One of These Children” is the title chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which will be held on Sept. 27.
As reported by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in an April 9 statement, the title chosen by the pontiff makes direct reference to the Gospel of St. Matthew: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Mt 18:5).
In doing so, the Holy Father wishes to express the Church’s concern for minors who, due to various circumstances, are compelled to undergo the experience of migration.
Through this theme, Pope Leo XIV appeals to the responsibility of the Church and of all the faithful, “recalling the duty to welcome each one of them, as the Gospel teaches us,” according to the statement.
As the dicastery pointed out, the current migration landscape poses new challenges that seriously threaten the rights and dignity of children, thereby requiring urgent and effective responses.
“It is not a matter of discussing numbers or percentages, because ‘even just one’ has the highest value,” the dicastery emphasized.
The Catholic Church has observed this day since 1914 to demonstrate its concern for vulnerable people who are forced to flee their homes.
The dicastery also invited the faithful to reflect and to pray for all those individuals facing numerous challenges and to raise awareness regarding the opportunities that migration can offer.
In his message for the 2025 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the Holy Father affirmed that Catholic refugees “can become missionaries of hope in the countries that welcome them” while emphasizing their capacity to "revitalize ecclesial communities that have become rigid and weighed down.”
On the occasion of the World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking in February, the pope also denounced the “the same logic of dominion and disregard for human life,” particularly toward displaced persons, migrants, and refugees.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
Pope Leo XIV in Africa: 7 things to know about the Catholic Church in Algeria
Pope Leo XIV kicks off his first papal trip to Africa in Algeria on Monday, spending two days there before visiting Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
Here are seven key things to know about the tiny but lively Catholic Church he’s about to meet:
1. Catholics are a tiny flock in this huge country.
Algeria has roughly 45 million to 48 million people but only a few thousand Catholics — often estimated at no more than 10,000, a fraction of 1% of the population.
Most Catholics are expatriates, sub-Saharan African students, migrant workers, diplomats, and religious; Indigenous Algerian Catholics are very few because conversion from Islam is both sensitive culturally and regulated legally. Yet, the Church maintains dioceses, parishes, and regular sacramental life, showing a qualitative rather than numerical impact.
2. Algeria has one of the largest dioceses in the world.
The Church is organized into four jurisdictions: the Archdiocese of Algiers and the Dioceses of Oran, Constantine and Hippone, and Laghouat‑Ghardaïa.
The pope is set to visit Algiers and Annaba (ancient Hippo); however, Laghouat‑Ghardaïa covers a massive Sahara territory, making it one of the largest dioceses in the world by land area.
Because Catholics are so scattered, priests and religious often serve several communities at once, relying on close-knit, relational ministry more than big programs.
3. This is the homeland of St. Augustine.
Considering that the pope is a member of the Order of St. Augustine, this visit will have very special and personal moments. Algeria once hosted a vibrant Latin Christian world; its greatest son is St. Augustine of Hippo, bishop and doctor of the Church.
Annaba — a city the pope will visit — was once called Hippo Regius and is home to the Basilica of St. Augustine, which physically links the early Church to today’s small Catholic community.
4. The Catholic Church in Algeria lives under a tightly regulated religious framework.
Islam is the state religion in Algeria, and while the constitution affirms freedom of conscience, non-Muslim worship is closely regulated. Non-Muslim communities must register places of worship, public proselytism is restricted, and conversion from Islam can bring serious social consequences.
Recent years have seen some closures and administrative pressures on Christian worship spaces and ministries, underscoring how fragile this small Church’s institutional space is.
Despite this, the Catholic Church in Algeria runs schools, cultural centers, and charitable initiatives, often through institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life.
5. The 1990s martyrs still mark Catholic life in this country.
During Algeria’s civil conflict in the 1990s, several priests, religious, and the Trappist monks of Tibhirine were killed, along with Bishop Pierre Claverie of Oran. In 2018, 19 martyrs of that period were beatified in Oran in a ceremony attended by Muslim leaders and framed as a sign of reconciliation for the whole nation.
These martyrs are remembered not as political actors but as friends who chose to stay with the Algerian people, shaping today’s Catholic identity of fidelity and solidarity.
6. Interreligious dialogue is not optional but the heart of the mission.
As a tiny minority in a Muslim-majority country, the Catholic Church defines much of its mission through respectful dialogue with Islam. Priests and religious engage in academic exchanges, social projects, and cultural encounters that build trust rather than confrontation.
7. Marian devotion is a bridge amid differences.
Places like the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers have become strong symbols of coexistence, where Marian devotion is a bridge even amid deep theological differences.
This is a unique site of interreligious coexistence where many Muslims visit to pray to Mary, whom they call “Lalla Meriem.”
A famous inscription behind the altar reads: “Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims.”
Pope Leo XIV: ‘I have no fear’ of the Trump administration
ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT — Pope Leo XIV said Monday that he will continue to speak out “loudly” against war, stressing that his role is to preach the Gospel, not to enter into political disputes.
Speaking to journalists aboard the papal flight to Algiers on April 13, the pope responded to a question about a post by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“I think people who read it will be able to draw their own conclusions. I am not a politician, and I have no intention of entering into a debate with him,” Leo said.
The pope said he would remain outspoken in condemning war and promoting peace.
“I have no fear neither of the Trump administration nor of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel,” he said in comments to a different journalist. “That’s what I believe I am called to do and what the Church is called to do. Weʼre not politicians. Weʼre not looking to make foreign policy, as [Trump] calls it, with the same perspective that he might understand it.”
“But I do believe that the message of the Gospel, ‘blessed are the peacemakers,’ is a message that the world needs to hear today.”
The pope also reflected on the meaning of his trip to Algeria, describing it as both a personal blessing and an important opportunity for the Church and the wider world.
“As you know, I am very happy to visit once again the land of St. Augustine,” he said. He noted that the saint offers “a very important bridge in interreligious dialogue” and remains deeply loved in his homeland.
Leo said the visit would allow him to see the places associated with the life of St. Augustine, including the places where he served as bishop.
“Today is truly a blessing for me personally, but I believe also for the Church and for the world, because we must always seek bridges in order to build peace and reconciliation,” he said.
The trip, he added, is “a most precious opportunity” to continue proclaiming the same message with the same voice: “We want to promote peace, reconciliation, and respect and consideration for all peoples.”
He concluded by thanking the journalists traveling with him.
“Welcome, everyone. I am happy to greet you,” the pope said. “Have a good trip, and thank you for the service you offer to all the people.”
This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
Correction: Quotations attributed to Pope Leo XIV in this article have been revised based on audio recordings of his comments.
Pope Leo XIV departs for Algeria, beginning third apostolic journey
Pope Leo XIV departed Monday for Algeria, the first stop on a 10-day trip to Africa that marks the third international journey of his pontificate.
The pope’s April 13–23 visit will also include stops in Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, making it the longest trip of his pontificate so far. After earlier visits to Turkey and Lebanon and a brief trip to the Principality of Monaco, Leo is now traveling to four African nations with distinct histories, cultures, and pastoral realities.
The first stop is Algeria, where Leo will be from April 13–15. The visit is expected to focus especially on encounter and fraternity. Catholics in Algeria number only a few thousand in a country of about 48 million Muslims.
For the first time, a pope is visiting the land of St. Augustine — a fitting destination for Leo XIV, who described himself on May 8, 2025, when he first appeared as pope from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, as “a son of St. Augustine.”
From Algeria, Leo will travel April 15 to Cameroon, where he will remain until April 18. His itinerary there includes the capital, Yaoundé, as well as Douala, the country’s economic center, and Bamenda, which lies at the heart of the so-called Anglophone conflict. Douala and Bamenda are also considered strongholds of political opposition to the government of President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982.
Leo XIV will be the third pope to visit Cameroon, after St. John Paul II, who traveled there in 1985 and 1995, and Benedict XVI, who visited in 2009.
Like Benedict XVI during that 2009 trip, Leo will also visit Angola. He is scheduled to be in Luanda, Muxima, and Saurimo from April 18–21.
The pope’s final stop will be Equatorial Guinea, where he will be from April 21–23 to mark the 170th anniversary of the country’s evangelization.
The flight to Algeria was expected to last about two hours, with the papal plane crossing over Italy and France before arriving in Algiers.
Before his departure, Leo sent a telegram to Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
“At the moment when I am preparing to make the apostolic journey to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea,” the pope wrote, “moved by the lively desire to meet the brothers and sisters in the faith and the inhabitants of those dear nations, I am pleased to address to you, Mr. President, the expression of my respectful greeting, which I accompany with fervent prayers for the good and prosperity of the entire Italian people.”
This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
U.S. bishops’ president ‘disheartened’ by Trump attack on Pope Leo
President Donald Trump publicly attacked Pope Leo XIV on social media Sunday evening, calling the pontiff “weak on crime, and terrible for foreign policy” in a lengthy post that appeared to be reacting to the Holy Fatherʼs recent appeals for peace and an end to war.
In comments to reporters at Joint Base Andrews shortly afterward, Trump said: “I donʼt think heʼs doing a very good job. … I am not a fan of Pope Leo.” He added: “Heʼs a very liberal person.”
Trump accused Leo of being soft on Iran and criticized the popeʼs opposition to U.S. military operations. “I donʼt want a pope who thinks itʼs OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” the president wrote. He also criticized the pope for opposing the U.S. intervention in Venezuela that ousted President Nicolás Maduro in January.
Leo has not said Iran should possess nuclear weapons. He has called the U.S.-Israel war in Iran “unjust” and on April 7 called Trumpʼs threat to destroy an entire “civilization” in Iran “truly unacceptable.”
Trump also claimed credit for Leoʼs election to the papacy in May 2025, writing: “He wasnʼt on any list to be pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American.” He added: “If I wasnʼt in the White House, Leo wouldnʼt be in the Vatican.”
The post on Truth Social came hours before Leo was scheduled to depart Monday for an 11-day trip to four African countries and one day after the pope presided over a globally broadcast prayer vigil for peace at St. Peterʼs Basilica.
U.S. bishops' leader: Pope 'is not his rival'
The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said he was “disheartened” by Trumpʼs public attack on Pope Leo XIV, defending the pontiff as the vicar of Christ who speaks for the Gospel and the care of souls.
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City issued a brief statement late Sunday in response to Trumpʼs lengthy social media post calling the pope “weak on crime, and terrible for foreign policy.”
“I am disheartened that the president chose to write such disparaging words about the Holy Father,” Coakley said. “Pope Leo is not his rival; nor is the pope a politician. He is the vicar of Christ who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls.”
The president said he preferred the popeʼs older brother, Louis Prevost, a Port Charlotte, Florida, resident who has described himself as a “MAGA type.” “I like his brother Louis much better than I like him, because Louis is all MAGA,” Trump wrote.
Trump also criticized Leo for meeting April 9 with David Axelrod, a former chief strategist for President Barack Obama, calling Axelrod “a loser from the left.” The Vatican has previously confirmed the audience but did not disclose what was discussed.
Trump also posted an image that commentators said depicted him as Jesus Christ, wearing a biblical-style robe and laying hands on a bedridden man as light emanates from his fingers, while admirers look on and eagles and military jets fill the sky above an American flag.
The public clash comes after weeks of growing friction between the White House and Catholic leaders since the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28.
Pope Leoʼs appeals for peace intensified over Holy Week, culminating in Saturdayʼs vigil, where he denounced a “delusion of omnipotence” and warned that “the holy name of God” was being “dragged into discourses of death.”
At a special Mass for peace held in Washington on April 11, Cardinal Robert McElroy argued that the current war fails to meet the strict criteria of just war theory, particularly in light of civilian suffering and the risk of disproportionate harm.
The Vatican has not yet publicly responded to Trumpʼs post. The pope is expected to arrive in Algiers on Monday.
This story was last updated on April 13, 2026, at 12:31 a.m. ET.