![\"Pope](\"https:\/\/cdn-main.newsner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/05\/14083659\/PLO-664x350.jpg\")
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Just after Donald Trump claimed he influenced the pope\u2019s appointment, Pope Leo XIV appeared to subtly push back during a Vatican press conference.<\/p>\n
On May 11, ABC\u2019s Martha Raddatz reported live from the Vatican for This Week<\/em>, joined by ABC\u2019s Terry Moran. Moran dismissed Trump\u2019s involvement, saying it was Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born cleric, who mattered in the historic selection\u2014the first American pope.<\/p>\n Trump fired back on Truth Social, mocking Raddatz and claiming credit for the pope\u2019s rise: \u201cRemember, I did WIN the Catholic Vote, by a lot!\u201d<\/p>\n His post sparked backlash online, with many calling it \u201cdeplorable,\u201d \u201cembarrassing,\u201d and narcissistic.<\/p>\n On May 12, Pope Leo addressed over 1,000 journalists, promoting respectful communication, press freedom, and a rejection of \u201caggression\u201d and \u201cfanaticism.\u201d While he didn\u2019t name Trump, many interpreted his message as a pointed rebuke of the former president\u2019s combative media style.<\/p>\n When asked if he had a message for the U.S., the pope smiled and said, \u201cMany. God bless you all.\u201d<\/p>\n Trump has yet to officially respond, but his post remains a lightning rod for criticism, while the Vatican moves forward with Leo\u2019s call for unity and dialogue.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Just after Donald Trump claimed he influenced the pope\u2019s appointment, Pope Leo XIV appeared to subtly push back during a Vatican press conference. On May 11, ABC\u2019s Martha Raddatz reported live from the Vatican for This Week, joined by ABC\u2019s Terry Moran. Moran dismissed Trump\u2019s involvement, saying it was Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born cleric,…<\/p>\n