African Catholic communities and church leaders have reacted with concern following a public exchange between US President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, with some warning that the spat could strain perceptions of Trump across the continent. “I was utterly shocked to read President Trump’s remarks about the pope. Nowhere in modern history have we
US President Donald Trump has said he is “not a big fan” of Pope Leo XIV following the pontiff’s strong anti-war message urging global leaders to end violence linked to the ongoing tensions involving Iran. Trump made the remarks to reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday, April 12, 2026, and later reinforced his position
