Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, appeared to subtly respond to Donald Trump after the former president bizarrely claimed credit for Leo’s election due to his support from Catholic voters.
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Trump posted on Truth Social boasting he “won the Catholic vote” and implied it helped influence the papal outcome—despite the fact the Vatican’s conclave isn’t affected by U.S. politics.
In his first public address, Pope Leo called for respectful, humble communication and denounced “loud, forceful” voices—remarks many believe were aimed at Trump. Though he never mentioned Trump by name, social media erupted, calling it “papal shade.”
As Trump remained silent, Pope Leo’s calm, dignified tone won praise globally—marking a dramatic start to his leadership.
