Pope Leo appears to subtly push back on Trump’s claim of influencing his election

In his first public address as the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV called for respectful communication and praised journalists—comments many believe were a subtle reply to U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed he helped influence the pope’s historic appointment.

Pope Leo XIV made history this month by becoming the first American ever elected as leader of the Catholic Church. But just hours before the new pope’s first press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, claiming that his victory in the Catholic vote somehow helped pave the way for Pope Leo’s election.

“So funny to watch old timer Martha Raditz on ABC Fake News…blurt out that…Pope Leo’s selection had nothing to do with Donald Trump,” Trump wrote. “Remember, I did WIN the Catholic Vote, by a lot!”

His statement puzzled many, especially since the process of selecting a pope is handled strictly by the College of Cardinals in a secret conclave—completely separate from U.S. politics.

Pope Leo calls for peace in communication

Later that day, speaking to reporters in Italian from the Vatican, Pope Leo did not mention Trump directly. However, his message about the power of words and responsible communication stood in sharp contrast to Trump’s often combative tone on social media.

“The way we communicate is of fundamental importance,” Pope Leo said. “We must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images… Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism, and even hatred.”

He praised journalists for their courage, especially those who risk their lives reporting from dangerous places, calling them defenders of dignity and justice. His respectful tone and emphasis on truth-telling seemed to subtly reject the loud, all-caps rants often seen in Trump’s posts.

Public reactions point to ‘shade’

The internet quickly picked up on the contrast between the two public figures. One user on Twitter posted, “Cc: @WhiteHouse @realDonaldTrump,” in response to a clip of Pope Leo’s speech. Others simply said the pope was “shading Trump.”

Though the pope never directly addressed Trump’s claim, his tone made a clear statement. When asked if he had a message for the United States, he replied with a smile, “Many. God bless you all.”

Pope Leo’s press conference highlighted the growing gap between religious leadership and political grandstanding. His words reminded the world of the power of calm, thoughtful communication—especially in a time when misinformation and personal attacks are common.

For many Catholics and observers worldwide, the moment wasn’t just about who holds power, but how that power is expressed.

Pope Leo’s message wasn’t just a subtle reply—it was a reflection of his leadership style. As an American leading one of the world’s most influential spiritual communities, his calm and thoughtful presence may offer a different kind of influence on the world stage.

As Pope Leo begins his journey leading over a billion Catholics worldwide, one thing is clear—he’s choosing humility, not headlines.