Pope Leo criticises exploitation by world’s ‘authoritarians’ during Angola trip

Pope Leo visited the Sanctuary of Mama Muxima in Angola on Sunday, a Catholic shrine with a history deeply intertwined with the transatlantic slave trade. The shrine, originally built by Portuguese colonizers in the late 16th century, served as a hub where enslaved Africans were gathered and baptized before being transported to the port of Luanda. From there, they were shipped to the Americas. Pope Leo acknowledged the "sorrow and great suffering" endured by Angolans during centuries of the slave trade. The Sanctuary of Mama Muxima became a major pilgrimage destination after reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary around 1833. The Pope's visit served as a moment of reflection on Angola's painful past.

Pope Leo XIV is on an 11-day apostolic journey to Africa, and on Sunday, April 19, 2026, he celebrated Mass in Kilamba, Angola, addressing a crowd of approximately 100,000 people. During his homily, he urged Angolans to combat corruption and cultivate justice, referencing the exploitation of the country's resources and the lingering effects of civil war. Later that day, the Pope was scheduled to lead the Rosary prayer at the Sanctuary of Mama Muxima, a significant Catholic shrine. This location was historically a center of the African slave trade, where enslaved Africans were baptized before being shipped to the Americas. The visit highlights the Church's complex history with slavery and its ongoing impact.

During a visit to Angola as part of his Africa tour, Pope Leo XIV addressed tens of thousands, urging the nation to overcome divisions and corruption stemming from its civil war past. Speaking at an open-air Mass near Luanda, he called on Angolans to build hope for the future. He also met with Angolan officials, including the President, and spoke against the exploitation of natural resources. This visit, the third leg of his four-nation tour, continues the Pope's theme of addressing corruption and resource plunder in Africa. His tour also included stops in Algeria and Cameroon, and will conclude in Equatorial Guinea. The Pope's remarks have also put him at odds with Donald Trump, who criticized the Catholic leader's foreign policy views.

Pope Leo attempted to de-escalate tensions with US President Donald Trump during his Africa tour. Speaking on a flight to Angola, Pope Leo clarified that his earlier comments in Cameroon about the world being "ravaged by a handful of tyrants" were not directed at Trump, as the speech was prepared weeks prior. These remarks follow Trump's recent social media criticism of Pope Leo, calling him "WEAK on Crime" and criticizing his foreign policy. Vice-President J.D. Vance welcomed the Pope's clarification, acknowledging the complexities of the situation despite media narratives of conflict. The Pope's comments aim to address misinterpretations and downplay a potential feud with the US President.

Pope Leo XIV stated that his earlier remarks about the world being "ravaged by a handful of tyrants" were not directed at President Donald Trump. Speaking on a flight to Angola during his Africa tour on Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Pope said reports had inaccurately portrayed his comments. He clarified that the speech was prepared two weeks prior to Trump's comments about him and his peace efforts. The Pope emphasized that he had no interest in debating the President. This clarification follows Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV's foreign policy views, particularly regarding the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, and his response to the treatment of religious organizations during COVID.

Pope Leo stated that his recent criticism of "tyrants" who spend heavily on wars was not directed at Donald Trump. The Pope clarified that the remarks, delivered in Cameroon, were written before Trump's recent criticism of him. He emphasized that he was not trying to engage in a debate with the US president. Trump had previously attacked the Pope following the Pope's criticism of the US-Israeli military operation in Iran. The Pope's original speech condemned leaders who prioritize war spending over resources for healing, education, and restoration. He also addressed the ongoing conflict and destabilization in Cameroon.

Pope Leo XIV is currently on a landmark tour of Africa, with Angola being the third stop after Cameroon. This marks the third time a pontiff has visited Angola, following John Paul II and Benedict XVI. While in Angola, where a significant portion of the population is Catholic, Pope Leo is scheduled to meet with President Joao Lourenco and deliver a speech. His visit coincides with escalating tensions between the Pope and U.S. President Donald Trump, stemming from disagreements over foreign policy and the Middle East conflict. Throughout his African tour, Pope Leo has addressed issues such as corruption, resource exploitation, and the risks of artificial intelligence. The Pope has responded to Trump's criticism by stating he is not afraid and will continue advocating for peace.

While on a pastoral visit to Africa on April 18, 2026, Pope Leo XIV addressed the ongoing public dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Iran war. The Pope stated that debating Trump is "not in my interest at all," but he will continue to preach his message of peace. The conflict began when Trump criticized Leo's peace advocacy on Truth Social, accusing him of being soft and owing his election to Trump. Leo clarified that his preaching is not directed at Trump specifically, but reflects the Gospel message of peace. He has consistently called for dialogue and denounced religious justifications for war, specifically calling Trump's threat to annihilate Iranian civilization "unacceptable."

Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his 11-day pastoral visit to Africa with a Mass at Yaounde Ville Airport in Cameroon on April 18, 2026. The event drew an estimated 200,000 people, including President Paul Biya, and marked the third pope to visit Cameroon. Pope Leo emphasized the importance of "structures of solidarity" to support those on the margins during his homily. He also called for elites to stop exploiting the land and its people for profit. After Cameroon, the pope will travel to Angola, where he will meet with President Joao Lourenco and deliver a speech before Angolan government authorities. The visit comes as Angola still bears the scars of a devastating civil war that lasted from 1975 to 2002, resulting in over half a million deaths.

Pope Leo urged Cameroonians to reject violence and embrace generosity at a mass in Douala on Friday, attended by approximately 120,000 people. The event, held at Japoma Stadium, was the largest of his four-nation Africa tour. Addressing the crowd, Pope Leo acknowledged the material and spiritual poverty affecting many in Cameroon. He appealed to believers to resist distrust and discouragement, and to reject violence as a means of advancement, despite facing hardships. He arrived in Douala from Yaounde, Cameroon's capital, and delivered his message primarily in French, with a portion in English.

Pope Leo XIV held an open-air Mass in Douala, Cameroon, attended by over 120,000 people, marking the largest crowd of his 11-day Africa tour. The Mass took place at Japoma Stadium, where some worshippers camped overnight to secure a good viewing spot. The Pope arrived in Douala on Friday, following a visit to the Anglophone region, and reiterated his message of peace. Tens of thousands of people, including members of the priesthood, participated in the event, braving the heat to attend the Mass. The Pope was welcomed by jubilant crowds as he arrived at the stadium.

During a mass in Douala, Cameroon, attended by approximately 120,000 people, Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of peace and nonviolence, urging the city's youth to reject violence and corruption. Speaking in English and French, the Pope emphasized the importance of faith, family, hospitality, and work. The mass in Douala followed a visit to Bamenda, the epicenter of a separatist insurgency, where he appealed for peace. The Pope's Africa tour continues with a visit to a Catholic hospital in Douala and a meeting with students in Yaounde. The purpose of the Pope's visit is to promote justice, peace, and faith in the region.

Pope Leo XIV is on an 11-day pastoral visit to Africa, with a focus on Cameroon on Friday, April 17, 2026. A Mass in Douala is expected to draw 600,000 people, the largest crowd of his tour. The Pope also plans to visit a hospital and meet with students and faculty at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaounde. His visit emphasizes encouraging young people in the face of challenges like poverty and corruption. During his visit, he addressed President Biya, urging him to break the "chains of corruption" and invest in the youth.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has publicly supported Pope Leo XIV's calls for peace amid a feud between the Pope and former U.S. President Donald Trump. The dispute began after Pope Leo XIV criticized a "delusion of omnipotence" he perceived as fueling conflict, seemingly directed at Trump's administration. Trump responded with criticism of the Pope on social media. Mullally urged Anglicans to join the Pope's call for peace, emphasizing the human cost of war and urging political leaders to pursue peaceful resolutions. The Pope has continued to advocate for peace during a tour in Africa, while stating that he does not wish to enter into a debate with Trump. Mullally plans to meet with Pope Leo XIV in Rome later this month.

In April 2026, an Al Jazeera article analyzed Pope Leo XIV's approach to US President Donald Trump. The article claims that unlike many world leaders who have appeased Trump, Pope Leo has publicly confronted him, specifically criticizing Trump's threats against Iran and the potential for war. Pope Leo's stance is portrayed as a rejection of appeasement and a continuation of his predecessor's defiance against injustice. The article highlights the Pope's direct and unqualified condemnation of what he views as Trump's dangerous policies, contrasting it with the more cautious responses from other Western leaders. The author suggests that Pope Leo's actions demonstrate a way to stand up to Trump's bullying tactics.

Pope Leo, during a visit to Cameroon, strongly criticized world leaders for prioritizing war spending over essential resources like healing and education. His remarks, made in a region experiencing conflict, condemned those who use religion to justify war and lamented the destruction caused by "tyrants ravaging" the world. The Pope's comments follow recent social media attacks from US President Donald Trump, which have caused concern in Africa, home to a large Catholic population. Pope Leo, who has become an outspoken critic of the war that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, urged a "decisive change of course."

During his visit to Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV urged the government to combat corruption to achieve peace and justice. Speaking in Yaoundé, he addressed President Paul Biya, whose administration faces criticism for corruption and failure to address security issues. The Pope's visit comes amid a separatist insurgency in Cameroon's English-speaking regions, ongoing since 2017. He traveled to Bamenda, the center of the conflict that has caused thousands of deaths and displacements, to pray for peace. Anglophone separatists announced a "safe travel passage" for the Pope's visit. He also emphasized that security measures should respect human rights in the conflict-ridden regions.

On April 16, 2026, Pope Leo XIV visited Bamenda, Cameroon, the epicenter of a separatist conflict, as part of his 11-day pastoral visit to Africa. During his visit, the Pope delivered a message of peace and criticized those he believes are causing harm through war and exploitation. He led a meeting for peace at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral with the local community. The visit occurred on the fourth day of his trip. Bamenda is considered the heart of one of the world's most neglected crises. The Pope also celebrated Mass at Bamenda Airport.

Pope Leo was met by large crowds in Cameroon during a recent visit. This marks his return to the country twenty years after his initial outreach trip. At that time, he was known as ‘Father Bob’. The purpose of the current visit and details of his activities in Cameroon have not been specified in the provided information. The large turnout suggests a significant level of public interest and recognition of the Pope's previous work in the region.

Pope Leo is currently visiting Cameroon, delivering a message of peace. This visit occurs amidst escalating tensions between the Vatican and the United States. US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the Pope's calls for peace and his disapproval of the US military actions against Iran. The timing of the Pope's visit and Trump's criticism highlights a growing divergence in views between the two world leaders on matters of international conflict and peacemaking. The reasons for Trump's specific criticisms were not detailed in the article.

Pope Leo emphasized the need for global peace and unity during his flight from Algeria to Cameroon on Wednesday, the second leg of his 10-day Africa tour. His message comes after a second social media attack this week from U.S. President Donald Trump. The Pope, the first U.S. pontiff, stressed the importance of respecting all people and fostering dialogue between different communities. He highlighted his recent visit to Algeria, a predominantly Muslim country where the Catholic Church is a minority, as an example of peaceful coexistence despite differing beliefs and practices. Pope Leo's tour aims to promote understanding and collaboration across diverse cultures and religions.

Pope Leo XIV is traveling to Cameroon as part of his four-nation Africa tour, following a stop in Algeria. The Pope's visit, beginning Wednesday in Yaounde, aims to promote peace in the separatist region and engage in talks with President Paul Biya. Discussions are expected to focus on combating corruption and ensuring responsible governance in the mineral-rich nation. The Vatican has expressed disapproval of authoritarian leadership styles, relevant as Biya, the world's oldest leader, has held power since 1982 and secured an eighth term in a disputed election. Upon arrival, Pope Leo XIV will meet with Biya, address government officials, and visit a Catholic orphanage.

Pope Leo XIV, during his apostolic journey to Africa on April 15, 2026, reaffirmed his message of peace and dialogue amidst ongoing criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking to journalists en route to Cameroon, the Pope emphasized the importance of peace, referencing St. Augustine of Hippo, without directly addressing Trump's attacks or comments from Vice President JD Vance. Trump's criticism escalated following the Pope's condemnation of war and Trump's threat against Iran, with Trump accusing the Pope of being weak and controlled by the left. The U.S. President also posted and deleted a controversial AI-generated image of himself.

JD Vance defended Donald Trump amid a dispute with Pope Leo XIV, sparked by the Pope's criticism of the Iran war and veiled comments about leaders of the US and Israel. Pope Leo suggested a "delusion of omnipotence" surrounded the conflict, prompting Trump to attack the pontiff's stance on crime and accuse him of being aligned with the radical left. Vance, a Catholic convert and the current Vice President, stated that the Vatican should focus on morality and internal Catholic Church matters, while the U.S. President should dictate American public policy. He downplayed the disagreement as a normal occurrence, despite the Pope's declaration that he would continue to speak out against war. The exchange has angered some within Trump's evangelical base.

Ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Cameroon this week, Anglophone separatists have declared a temporary ceasefire. Several armed groups, united under the Unity Alliance, announced a three-day "safe travel passage" to protect civilians and acknowledge the spiritual significance of the papal visit, which begins Wednesday. The separatists aim to facilitate movement for those celebrating the visit to the conflict-hit region, where nearly a decade of violence has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacements. The government of Cameroon has yet to comment on the ceasefire. Pope Leo XIV's visit to Cameroon is part of an 11-day African tour, with peace as a major theme.

Pope Leo XIV is on an 11-day apostolic journey to Algeria, beginning Monday, April 13, 2026. The visit marks the first papal visit to the country and includes a pilgrimage to Annaba, the site of ancient Hippo, where St. Augustine lived. As a self-proclaimed "son of St. Augustine," Pope Leo XIV is emphasizing Augustine's role as a bridge-builder to promote peace and Christian-Muslim coexistence. The trip also highlights Augustine's North African origins, often overlooked in favor of a Eurocentric perspective. The Pope's visit occurs against the backdrop of the U.S.-Israel war in Iran and his calls for peace, which have caused tension with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born pope, on social media after the Pope criticized the US-Israeli war on Iran. Trump called the Pope "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy," objecting to the Pope's criticism of his policies. Pope Leo had recently condemned Trump's threat to destroy Iranian civilization and urged leaders to end the bloodshed, seemingly directing his comments at Trump. Trump claimed the Vatican elected Leo to gain favor with the White House and accused the Pope of catering to the Radical Left. The Pope had also previously questioned the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies.

President Donald Trump launched a sharp attack against Pope Leo XIV, criticizing his leadership and political views. Trump stated he believes the Pope is "weak" on crime and foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran and Venezuela. The criticism followed Pope Leo's remarks suggesting a "delusion of omnipotence" was fueling the US-Israel war in Iran and his previous statements against those who wage war. Trump specifically objected to the Pope's perceived stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions and the US intervention in Venezuela. The unusual public dispute highlights a significant divergence in opinion between the US President and the head of the Catholic Church.

In April 2026, US President Donald Trump faced backlash for posting an AI-generated image depicting him as a Jesus-like figure on his Truth Social platform. The image, which was later deleted, showed Trump in a white robe with his hand on a man's head. The post followed Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV, whom he called "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy." Church leaders and conservative figures condemned both the image and Trump's remarks about the Pope. Tensions between the White House and the Vatican have been escalating due to disagreements over immigration policies, military actions, and the US-Israel war on Iran. Pope Leo XIV has publicly criticized Trump's policies and advocated for peace and dialogue.

Pope Leo XIV has embarked on an 11-day tour of Africa, visiting Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. The tour, beginning in Algeria, will cover nearly 18,000km and include 18 flights across 11 cities and towns. The Pope aims to address the needs of the continent, home to over 20% of the world's Catholics, and build bridges between Christian and Muslim communities, particularly in Algeria, which is predominantly Muslim. This is the first time Algeria has hosted a Catholic Pope. During the trip, Pope Leo is expected to deliver 25 speeches addressing diverse issues facing the four nations. This is his second major overseas trip since being elected last May.

Pope Leo XIV is visiting Algeria, marking the first papal visit to the country and the start of an 11-day tour of Africa. The trip, which includes stops in Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, highlights the growing importance of Africa to the Catholic Church due to its rapidly expanding Catholic population. The Pope's visit aims to strengthen bonds between Christian and Muslim communities and promote peace and tolerance. Academics note that the focus on Africa reflects shifting demographics, with the continent experiencing significant growth in its Catholic population while Europe sees a decline. The visit also signals continuity with previous efforts to foster interfaith dialogue, as seen in the 2019 "human fraternity" document.

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Algeria on April 13, 2026, for an 11-day apostolic journey to four African nations, including Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. This marks the first papal visit to Algeria. The Pope is promoting Christian-Muslim coexistence and honoring St. Augustine, a locally born religious figure. His visit coincides with heightened global conflict and follows criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Pope's stance on the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Pope Leo XIV defended the Vatican's peace appeals as rooted in the Gospel and linked his call for peace to Algeria's struggle for independence.

Pope Leo XIV has pushed back against President Donald Trump's criticism of him over the US-Israel war in Iran. Speaking on his flight to Algeria, Pope Leo stated that his appeals for peace and reconciliation are rooted in the Gospel and do not intend to be a direct attack on anyone. He emphasized that the message of the Gospel is clear: "Blessed are the peacemakers." The pope also clarified that he has no fear of the Trump administration, saying he will continue with his mission despite criticism. Pope Leo's comments come after President Trump described him as a "very liberal person" and suggested he should stop catering to the Radical Left. The pope is currently on an 11-day apostolic journey to Africa.

Former President Trump publicly criticized Pope Leo following the Pope's criticism of Trump's threats against Iran. Trump accused the Pope of being too liberal, soft on crime, and failing to address Iran's nuclear ambitions. These remarks drew immediate criticism, with one expert noting that even historical dictators had not attacked the Pope so directly. Pope Leo has repeatedly called for de-escalation in the Middle East and denounced global conflicts, including Trump's threats against Iran, which he deemed "unacceptable." The Pope has also lamented the growing indifference to violence and death.

Pope Leo condemned the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, citing a "delusion of omnipotence" as the driving force. Speaking at a prayer service in St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday, the Pope's message coincided with the start of US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan. While not directly naming the US or President Trump, his remarks appeared aimed at US officials who have emphasized military strength and used religious justifications for the war. Pope Leo urged leaders to prioritize negotiation and end the "idolatry of self and money," escalating his previous calls for peace after initially offering more restrained appeals. The archbishop of Tehran and a US deputy chief of mission were present at the service.

Pope Leo XIV held a vigil for peace at St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday, denouncing the "delusion of omnipotence" as a driving force behind war. During the service, he emphasized that true strength lies in serving life, not in displays of power or the pursuit of wealth. His remarks coincided with the start of face-to-face talks between a U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials amidst a fragile ceasefire. The Pope's statements follow earlier criticism of President Trump's threats against Iran, which he deemed "truly unacceptable," citing both international law and moral concerns for the Iranian population. He warned that war divides humanity, while hope and faith unite.

Pope Leo XIV will begin a four-nation visit to Africa on April 13, 2026, his fourth foreign trip since becoming pontiff in 2025. The trip, dubbed "A pilgrim in Africa" by the Vatican, will focus on themes of peace, migration, the environment, young people, and the family. He will deliver 25 speeches in French, English, Portuguese, and Spanish. The visit aims to acknowledge the Catholic Church's growth and vibrancy in Africa, which has seen its Catholic population increase from under 1 million in 1910 to an estimated 288 million in 2024. While the trip includes Algeria, it notably excludes Nigeria, where Christians face significant threats. Analysts emphasize the visit's importance in supporting the African church and its preferential option for the poor.

Pope Leo XIV issued a statement on social media Friday criticizing war, seemingly directed at the US and Israel's conflict with Iran. The Pope's statement rebukes the Trump administration's use of religious language to justify military action, particularly Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's framing of the conflict as a holy war. Pope Leo emphasized that God does not bless conflict and that violence, especially against innocent civilians, is never justified. He has consistently spoken out against the fighting in the Middle East since the US and Israel began strikes on Iran in February. The Pope's message highlights the desecration of sacred places and the disregard for human life in the ongoing conflict.

Pope Leo XIV is undertaking an 11-day, four-nation trip to Africa, reminiscent of St. John Paul II's early travels. The journey, scheduled for April 13-24, 2026, includes stops in Algeria, Cameroon, and two additional, unnamed countries. In Algeria (April 13-15), the Pope will focus on Christian-Muslim coexistence and migration, visiting Annaba and paying homage to migrants. In Cameroon (April 15-18), he will lead a peace meeting in Bamenda addressing the separatist conflict and Boko Haram violence. The Pope is expected to address themes of Christian-Muslim relations, exploitation of resources, corruption, and migration throughout the trip. The Algeria stop is particularly important to Leo, due to his ties to St. Augustine.