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News & Current Events Apr 16, 2026 at 12:02 PM

Pope: World is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants

Posted by TheTelegraph

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TriXter69 Apr 16, 2026 +14395
Of all the stupid things Trump has done, he decides to start beef with the pope
14395
ddrober2003 Apr 16, 2026 +4652
His ego can't abide anyone speaking against him, including the pope. I'm half expecting him to make his own church thats separate from the others where he is the central figure. 
4652
Trips-Over-Tail Apr 16, 2026 +1638
The Donald pulling a Henry?
1638
Rosington2010 Apr 16, 2026 +1381
Half the wives, twice the audacity.
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nuttyjawa Apr 16, 2026 +591
same fatness, it checks out
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AnyBug1039 Apr 16, 2026 +181
Hopefully the same medieval diseases
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Shenanigans99 Apr 16, 2026 +79
Except in his earlier years, Henry was an accomplished athlete and was quite tall, no lifts needed. Trump has just always been a shlub with small hands.
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NYCinPGH Apr 16, 2026 +33
Also, Henry was smart and shrewd, until mental illnesses - probably the result of too many head hits from jousting and poor diet - badly affected him later in life.
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Shenanigans99 Apr 16, 2026 +12
Or syphilis...dude got around...
12
UnstableMabel Apr 16, 2026 +201
Also the diseased leg. "Central casting!!"
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thats_a_boundary Apr 16, 2026 +79
the noise i just made is like a chain smoking seagul. thank you for unlocking this new type of laugh in me.
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itsBob Apr 16, 2026 +61
Frito Lay presents, The Donald Trump Church of American Excellence
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Character-Fish-541 Apr 16, 2026 +164
“We’ll make our own church! With insider trading and underage hookers! You what? Forget the church.”
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CastorVT Apr 16, 2026 +68
"I'LL START MY OWN CHURCH! WITH BLACK JACK! AND HOOKERS!"
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Noise42 Apr 16, 2026 +42
and tariffs, don't forget the tariffs.
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KinkaJac97 Apr 16, 2026 +991
I'm not sure he knows how to handle the Pope. We finally have an American who is also in a position of power who is not afraid of Donald Trump, who will not bend the knee, and who is standing up to him. We have an American with a large platform who is pushing back on Trump's message of violence and destruction, and Trump can't stand that. I hope Pope Leo continues what he is doing, as this is what is needed.
991
fuckyourcanoes Apr 16, 2026 +472
I'm not a fan of the Catholic church at all, but I *really* like this pope so far. And Trump doesn't understand that he is not powerful enough to shut him down. He also has no idea how to handle anyone who has strong principles.
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KinkaJac97 Apr 16, 2026 +266
As a Catholic, he makes me proud to be Catholic. I think part of the reason why the Cardinals elected Pope Leo is because he is from the United States, and he would be a foil for Trump in the positive sense on the global stage. Obviously, Pope Francis spoke out against Trump, but it seems more powerful coming from an American.
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fuckyourcanoes Apr 16, 2026 +226
This pope is also more outspoken and direct, which I think is exactly what the Catholic church needs right now. I'm a lifelong atheist, but it's really nice having a pope who doesn't appear to be problematic. He's a breath of fresh air.
226
gmen6981 Apr 16, 2026 +136
Also a Chicago boy- "Nice soul you got there. Be a shame if something happened to it."
136
Iamtevya Apr 16, 2026 +39
Make Excommunication Great Again
39
OfficeSalamander Apr 16, 2026 +30
If Leo excommunicates Vance, I will 100% consider becoming Catholic
30
scientist_tz Apr 16, 2026 +81
Pope Leo grew up in a part of town where people do not f*** around. They'll tell you what they're thinking. They're loud. My dad also grew up in that area.
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fuckyourcanoes Apr 16, 2026 +35
Have you seen that photo from when he was young where he looks exactly like a mafioso?
35
SomeGalNamedAshley Apr 16, 2026 +35
Francis was a nightclub bouncer in his youth. It could be a pattern here.
35
12thnightkitties Apr 16, 2026 +89
Or any principles or morality or integrity at all.
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fuckyourcanoes Apr 16, 2026 +82
He assumes everyone is like him and has a price. Assuming that about the Pope is not going to go well for him.
82
SANREUP Apr 16, 2026 +138
He’s literally just saying that we need more peace and prosperity, understanding instead of violence, and MAGA is somehow against even that?
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robodrew Apr 16, 2026 +66
Yes, peace is P**** SHIT while war is COOL LETS PLAY COD BRO This basically describes Hegseth and everyone like him.
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fugaziozbourne Apr 16, 2026 +22
It's pretty interesting that while Trump was stacking the supreme court and lower level courts full of christian nationalists and corrupt conservative judges, Pope Francis was stacking the clergy with an insane amount of progressive cardinals. This shit was on a collision course for a while now.
22
gmen6981 Apr 16, 2026 +19
Yeah, 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, 50-60 million in the US. Trump is outnumbered.
19
SomeGalNamedAshley Apr 16, 2026 +11
Francis was pretty great too. I was on board with the guy after he got asked about gays and gave the answer "Who am I to judge?". Basically the Church has been getting more progressive with each successive Pope, but it's a process which while it lags behind society as a whole it is still in fact moving forward nonetheless.
11
[deleted] Apr 16, 2026 +54
[deleted]
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LevoiHook Apr 16, 2026 +92
You mean Maga? 
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The_Ineffable_One Apr 16, 2026 +32
He already has.
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Dramatic_Charity_979 Apr 16, 2026 +27
He did already. Is called MAGA.
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_0611 Apr 16, 2026 +24
Would be funny if the pope is the one to tackle Trump and take him down. Doing something no one in the US seems to be able to do.
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tengelbach Apr 16, 2026 +16
The Church of Truth. Truth Chruchal.
16
Disastrous_Ad4233 Apr 16, 2026 +29
Im sure even if God himself come to the White House Mr. T will find some bullshit to say 😅 Cant expect much from him tbh
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LividTacos Apr 16, 2026 +39
"I like Gods who don't have fallen angels."
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mephloz Apr 16, 2026 +47
Yo, leave Mr. T's name out your mouth, fool
47
front_yard_duck_dad Apr 16, 2026 +111
A pope from Chicago no less. Our bullshit detectors are the best in the game
111
ticman Apr 16, 2026 +268
Of all the stupid things Trump has done ... so far!
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MARPJ Apr 16, 2026 +189
As expected of the antichrist I guess
189
[deleted] Apr 16, 2026 +26
[deleted]
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Plaetean Apr 16, 2026 +87
he can get away with anything. personality cults are like this. we should always remember that suicide cults are a legit phenomena. people's tribal needs and craving to follow and worship are so extreme that they are capable of literally killing themselves over it.
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TomUpNort Apr 16, 2026 +36
If that’s the route MAGA wants to take, who are we to stop them?
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Tuesday_6PM Apr 16, 2026 +49
The problem is that they’re taking us with them
49
Zenfulbliss Apr 16, 2026 +308
It has now come to me, an atheist, cheering on the pope. I just find it so surreal that anyone supports someone who is such a massive piece of shit that he drives atheists to side with the most ridiculous theist cosplay on the planet.
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PepperAnn1inaMillion Apr 16, 2026 +106
>the most ridiculous theist cosplay on the planet. Nah, that’s still Trump.
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SlowCrates Apr 16, 2026 +41
No, that's a doctor.
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shouldbepracticing85 Apr 16, 2026 +31
If you really look at the core themes of the Gospels, it actually has a lot of parallels to some mental health guides - look for the positive, don’t be an ass that takes advantage of others, in the end the entire community is better off if we take care of each other… there were some others, but it’s been 20 years since I read the Gospels - it was the same time I was starting to get treatment for my depression. Ridiculous theist cosplay aside, the best Christians should be the kind of folks anyone with an empathetic bone in their body could side with. Just like how the “don’t eat shellfish” (red tide toxic algae, plus poor water quality around humans) and “don’t eat pork” (trichinosis) were rules founded in science they didn’t know about, the Gospels I think are a solid observation of humans and how to be happier. I just found it neat to see mental health therapy themes in the bible. I left the church years ago, though I’m more agnostic than anything.
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Practical_Brief0 Apr 16, 2026 +21
Same! I truly cannot believe I’m taking up for the pope, but here we are I guess.
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NSASpyVan Apr 16, 2026 +46
Pope has a billion catholics behind him Trump has a third of a country, some of which are catholics, so he doesn't even have that Glad the pope is vocal about Trump.
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Ragnarawr Apr 16, 2026 +64
That clown would have a clash with Jesus if he descended from the clouds and asked him to refrain.
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ChopSueyMusubi Apr 16, 2026 +37
This guy Jesus came down from the clouds the other day and told me to stop attacking other countries. Funny guy. I told him to mind his own business. Where's he even from? He said Jerusalem. I said "buddy I'm helping ya out!" Can you believe this guy? Can't believe there are Democrats in the clouds these days too.
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Orthas Apr 16, 2026 +40
Excuse me, as a (transplant but very proud) Chicagoan. His papacy is DA Pope. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
40
whooo_me Apr 16, 2026 +6204
It’s so cathartic having a prominent leader just speaking up. Even if he’s powerless to do much directly about it. One of the most disheartening things of recent years is hearing and seeing so many leaders praise, compliment, coddle and bend the knee to Trump et al in the interests of diplomacy. Which he always sees as validation, and weakness in their part.
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t-earlgrey-hot Apr 16, 2026 +1672
1.4 billion Catholics in the world, I wouldn't say powerless when influence is so valuable
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HelmetsAkimbo Apr 16, 2026 +1265
It was one of my biggest fears when Francis died. I wouldn't exactly call myself a religious man but there's a clear divide in moden Christianity. Real Christians and self-centered ego focused maniacs in Christian masks. Thankfully the pontiff has remained a real Christian.
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NYCinPGH Apr 16, 2026 +522
Nah, there was nothing to worry about when Francis died, he had a long-term plan for his succession and carried it out. By the time he died, a supermajority of the College of Cardinals who were eligible to vote in papal elections were appointed by him, and he made sure that they were on board with his progressive agenda. I think Leo was a great choice, but I also think that whoever else they might have chosen would also have been comparably great.
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Equivalent-Stand1674 Apr 16, 2026 +566
It's more significant though that an American religious leader is making statements opposing an American politician than if a European or South American had done it. If a European speaks up, an American politician can appeal to his voterbase and brush that person off as anti-American. It's not so easy if an American, who's spent his life watching the Bears and White Sox just as many other Americans have, speaks up. In villianizing another relatable American, the politician comes dangerously close to villianizing his voterbase.
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AxelHarver Apr 16, 2026 +192
Yep, conservatives have spent the last decade being told that europeans are a bunch of communists living in slums who are just criticizing us out of jealousy.
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PizzaDelResistance Apr 16, 2026 +95
Conservatives can do some amazing mental gymnastics like say Pope Leo is from Chicago which is a wasteland of crime and poverty
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TheMaskedMan2 Apr 16, 2026 +52
Yeah, it’s not about the facts, it’s about how they feel. It’s vibe-based political opinions. They’ll just brush off the Pope as not being a true American, whatever that means, or being a traitor, or a dirty leftist, or whatever else they decide to come up with on that day.
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VagrantShadow Apr 16, 2026 +22
Add to the fact, over the years I kept hearing American Catholics at work and other places saying "That's not my Pope" when it came to the Pope, but it's much harder for them to say that when it comes to the Pope himself being American.
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joeginto Apr 16, 2026 +37
Excellent point. For America this criticism by the pontiff should carry more weight for Americans. Hard to break a cult but this seems a great beginning.
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PerilousFun Apr 16, 2026 +50
To be fair, the College of Cardinals tend to elect popes based on the current state of the world and selecting an American with a legacy of work in South America, is as much a statement they could make about the state of affairs.
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Trambopoline96 Apr 16, 2026 +137
I'm not religious, either. I was your stereotypical 2010s teenage listnook atheist. After living some more life, I've realized that God didn't create us in his image so much as we created him in ours, and that's it's a choice if you decide to use your faith for good or for ill. I'm very thankful that Leo has turned out to be a pope that wants to use the Church to speak to our better angels instead of our lesser demons.
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gingersnappie Apr 16, 2026 +70
Unfortunately, some of my American Catholic relatives have broken with the Pope, as well as the prior Pope due to some of their words against Trump and/or MAGA beliefs. I’ve heard others with the same experience.
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Apoxie Apr 16, 2026 +136
Well then they are not Catholics anymore (canon 751)
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hedronist Apr 16, 2026 +51
For those o fus who didn't know what that was: *Can. 751 Heresy is the obstinate denial or obstinate doubt after the reception of baptism of some truth which is to be believed by divine and Catholic faith; apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith; schism is the refusal of submission to the Supreme Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him.* Source: The Vatican's [*Code of Canon Law*.](https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib3-cann747-755_en.html)
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Kwahn Apr 16, 2026 +18
So they're Schismatics now, if I'm understanding this right?
18
Tyraec Apr 16, 2026 +44
Very true but my concern would be that MAGA Catholics turn on the church. These people have nothing between their eyes and are literally worshipping Trump as Christ reborn. I really like this pope because he’s actually trying to teach Catholic values, but I wouldn’t underestimate the complete stranglehold Trump has on religious people in the US.
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acompletemoron Apr 16, 2026 +31
My in laws are h******* flag & faith conservative Catholics. They turn a blind eye to anything Trump related. Detested Francis. But they like Leo (so far). Helps they’re from Chicago like he is. The whole “Trump Jesus” AI thing and battling Leo has produced the most negative comments on Trump I’ve heard from them lol. Mind you, it’s still mild, but it’s something. Think the cardinals really nailed this one.
31
HuckleberryTiny5 Apr 16, 2026 +117
>One of the most disheartening things of recent years is hearing and seeing so many leaders praise, compliment, coddle and bend the knee to Trump This has been so f****** rage indusing for me. Media included, in every country (sorry if your country is an exception, mine definitely isn't). Talking heads speaking in TV about what might be Trumps strategy, or what is he thinking is something that makes me want to trash my TV. He does not think, he has no strategy, he is a malignant narcissist and a demented one, there literally isn't going anything in his turnip of a head. Not a SINGLE politican or world leader has guts to say out loud the truth: That Trump is insane, in it's most literal sense. That his place is a home for demented people. That he shits in a diaper and can't keep a coherent thought for five seconds so that his speech would make at least some sense. Media does not report his most outrageous ramblings because that would be too much like acknowledging that the man is a vegetable that someone dragged on a stage. Media has to keep on pretending that there is some sense in this all, when there is none. And I'm not talking about USA here, I'm talking about my own countries media and politics, all equally pussyfooting around and afraid of making some American angry.
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ProudLawfulness1826 Apr 16, 2026 +15
Sanewashing him
15
marshsmellow Apr 16, 2026 +41
The difference is that Trump cannot threaten the pope the way he can with other world leaders, the pope can to be bought. He's the perfect spokesman for what's right. And he leads quite a few people, don't underestimate his soft power. 
41
Outrageous_Donut7681 Apr 16, 2026 +65
Yup, people put up with trump in the name of diplomacy and the office he weasled his way into, and I am over it. The US needs to get their shit together or be shunned diplomatically until they do so
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peidinho31 Apr 16, 2026 +21
I mean, i Trump gonna tariff the Vatican? 😂 Vance and Trump have no leverage to act like bullies. Cherry on top would be excommunicate Vance from the church. Oh Boy would BE amazing.
21
Azagorod Apr 16, 2026 +32
While I wouldn't mind a decapitation strike conducted by the Papal States military with how things are going, the Pope still wields considerable soft power, especially among hispanics.
32
TheTelegraph Apr 16, 2026 +6034
***The Telegraph reports:*** The Pope has said the world is “being ravaged by a handful of tyrants” after an escalating war of words with Donald Trump. On a visit to Camaroon on Thursday, Pope Leo said: “The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild. “They turn a blind eye to the fact that billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation, yet the resources needed for healing, education and restoration are nowhere to be found.” The first American Pope has been an outspoken critic of the war in Iran, drawing anger from the Trump administration. Earlier this week, the US president attacked the pontiff for his stance on the Middle East, claiming he was “WEAK on crime and terrible for foreign policy”. **Full story:** [**https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/16/pope-world-being-ravaged-by-handful-of-tyrants/?WT.mc\_id=tmgoff\_listnook\_ravaged-by-handful-of-tyrants/&accesscontrol=facebookchannel\_open**](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/04/16/pope-world-being-ravaged-by-handful-of-tyrants/?WT.mc_id=tmgoff_listnook_ravaged-by-handful-of-tyrants/&accesscontrol=facebookchannel_open)
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Batmanischill Apr 16, 2026 +2765
That orange buffoon calling anyone weak on crime when he has pardoned so many criminals is absolutely disgusting. He truly is a miserable demon with not one iota of good in his body.
2765
Bozrud Apr 16, 2026 +633
Not one decent cell in Donald - Jeffrey Epstein.
633
whatsinurwitchsbrew Apr 16, 2026 +380
We need a decent cell around Donald.
380
TapDancingToucan Apr 16, 2026 +55
We need the best cell, nobody is going to have a cell as strong as Donny’s. The strongest. Best American steel and locks that money can buy.
55
Thaurlach Apr 16, 2026 +23
“Hey we will actually pay for this one if you like” - Mexico
23
VoteYourOssoff Apr 16, 2026 +186
Israel are committing war crimes as we speak, and the conservatives are voting unanimously to gift them weapons. The Pope is so right- and I think it's not just the leaders who are to blame, it's supposedly "pro-life" voters who don't care about civilians (including a school full of children) being slaughtered
186
unoriginal1187 Apr 16, 2026 +43
My wife’s cousin is a die hard trump tard. Dude hasn’t had an original thought in his life and lives off his family but adores trump. He said trumps doing this to save the Iranian population. When you point out the number of people who die he goes to his full racist self and says atleast they aren’t our people.
43
coromd Apr 16, 2026 +24
After all, the number one way to "save" people is to destroy their power grid and water desalination plants
24
twowholebeefpatties Apr 16, 2026 +495
SO good
495
GayAttire Apr 16, 2026 +127
No, no, WEAK on crime! /s
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Quetzalcoatl490 Apr 16, 2026 +103
That was the funniest part of the Pope call-out to me, like Trump said he's weak on Crime?? What crime? Just another steak to toss out to the fanbase, I guess
103
sadolddrunk Apr 16, 2026 +77
If the Pope isn't supposed to be fighting crime, why is he always wearing that superhero costume?
77
lifesnofunwithadhd Apr 16, 2026 +253
Trumps cancelation of usaid and request for 1.5 trillion to wage war is the examples i think of.
253
JCDU Apr 16, 2026 +44
Yeah but the libs have been totally owned!
44
onoz9 Apr 16, 2026 +61
This reminds me of "Black Sabbath - War Pigs" lyrics. Many decades old song but describes the current world perfectly.
61
rabotat Apr 16, 2026 +37
For me it's [Bob Dylan's Masters of War](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JEmI_FT4YHU&list=RDJEmI_FT4YHU&start_radio=1&pp=ygUOTWFzdGVycyBvZiB3YXKgBwE%3D)
37
mellcrisp Apr 16, 2026 +931
Gotta hand it to the church, they chose the right time for the first American Pope.
931
annakarenina66 Apr 16, 2026 +156
yes it seemed wrong at the time but they have more foresight than me
156
SoFlaBarbie00 Apr 16, 2026 +74
They saw the rise of fascism occurring through authoritarians being voted into high office worldwide. They knew the only way to stop it was with someone who could go head to head with the American president.
74
StNowhere Apr 16, 2026 +49
And you *know* Trump was celebrating when an American was named Pope. For at least a second he thought he owned the Catholic church.
49
SoFlaBarbie00 Apr 16, 2026 +42
Yep. That’s the best part. Vance tried to weasel his way in early and Leo said thanks but no thanks.
42
djgoodhousekeeping Apr 16, 2026 +26
Have to imagine this is why they did it.
26
Zorothegallade Apr 16, 2026 +4671
As an atheist, I'm 100% behind this Pope.
4671
sunshine9008 Apr 16, 2026 +928
Me too. Never thought I’d be fangirling over the pope, but here I am.
928
___xXx__xXx__xXx__ Apr 16, 2026 +562
A horrible thought occured to me the other day, as an atheist. After centuries, America finally has a genuinely atheist President. It's Trump. Trump is the first atheist President.
562
F4hype Apr 16, 2026 +471
If I believed in the christian end times, I'd say Donald trump is the most serious of anti-christ contenders that has ever existed. He has fooled 'christians' that he is a great leader amongst them. He has 'miraculously healed' from a head wound. He blasphemes against god on the daily, and even pictured himself as christ. He quite literally controls the world's economy at his whim. He and his followers wear the mark of the beast upon their foreheads. And my favourite: *He shall enter also into the glorious land [Jerusalem], and many [countries] shall be overthrown*
471
733t_sec Apr 16, 2026 +129
[Been posting this link in a few threads now](https://www.benjaminlcorey.com/could-american-evangelicals-spot-the-antichrist-heres-the-biblical-predictions/) on comparisons to him and the anti christ
129
Alexandria_Magna Apr 16, 2026 +29
Best part is, that was posted during his first term.
29
SignificantFroyo6882 Apr 16, 2026 +96
Don't forget when he held the Bible in public, he held it upside down.
96
zayb10 Apr 16, 2026 +61
As a Christian, it’s incredible to see how many people truly claim to be but clearly fail to identify the closest thing we’ve ever seen to the Antichrist is who they voted for twice
61
le_quisto Apr 16, 2026 +37
I was expecting the Antichrist to be younger and more physically fit. But I guess that is the Antichrist we deserve
37
Darknight3909 Apr 16, 2026 +19
Sloth and Gluttony are 2 of the 7 deadly sins and those don't tend to lean towards a physically fit person.
19
ectobiologist7 Apr 16, 2026 +83
But his favorite book is the Bible!
83
barrhavenite Apr 16, 2026 +44
What's his favourite verse?
44
entenfurz Apr 16, 2026 +65
Eh, rude?! That's a super private question to him! Wtf? You might as well be asking what size of diapers he's wearing.
65
barrhavenite Apr 16, 2026 +35
According to his official White House report, Donald Trump is 6'3", 224 pounds, and 4.8% body fat. That's model material.
35
joshrealer Apr 16, 2026 +53
There probably were more but chose not to be publicly atheist because it would be electorally unfavourable and also smart enough to hide it unlike Trump.
53
GriffinFlash Apr 16, 2026 +158
last one was pretty cool too. Was not fond of the two before them.
158
Artistic_Ask_3209 Apr 16, 2026 +38
As an Agnostic, I'm 100% behind this Pope too.
38
metengrinwi Apr 16, 2026 +42
As a recovering Catholic, I’m 100% behind this Pope.
42
IIKannonII Apr 16, 2026 +134
Honestly, loved Pope Francis as well. They're on a roll over in Vatican City.
134
calindu Apr 16, 2026 +141
Pope Leo and Pope Francis have been a breath of fresh air in the catholic church
141
Bayoueux Apr 16, 2026 +3197
I f****** love this guy
3197
k4kkul4pio Apr 16, 2026 +803
The man is spot on. Few very rotten eggs making things more difficult for everyone else just because they can. 😔
803
Oldmanrich8 Apr 16, 2026 +322
Because f****** idiots elect these tyrants because of bigotry. This is just too f****** much.
322
musty_mage Apr 16, 2026 +148
Don't forget the superrich whom no one elected. They are even more to blame
148
Far-Lie8130 Apr 16, 2026 +66
No one elected them, but some dumbasses worship them
66
Airewalt Apr 16, 2026 +13
Relic from a bygone era of meritocracy. Some will say it never existed.
13
Affectionate_Oven_77 Apr 16, 2026 +20
Not because they can, but because they got their power through flagrant crimes that would have them locked away for life if they ever lose power, so now they have to do everything to ensure they are always in control.
20
shadowsinthestars Apr 16, 2026 +233
I have to say I wasn't thrilled when they elected an American, but now I can 100% see it. When the Catholic church is the reasonable one...
233
SoFlaBarbie00 Apr 16, 2026 +180
As an American Catholic, I fully understood in the moment why the cardinals chose this point in history to elect an American.
180
shadowsinthestars Apr 16, 2026 +58
I felt like that as soon as he opened that speech and I'm a European unaffiliated spiritual person. (I'm from a generally secular country but it's still a cultural thing to know who the pope is and most people will follow it in the media etc.) It's like everything he says is rage-inducing to the phony Trump narcissist "Christians" and it's hilarious. Also funny for me to be that enthusiastic about a pope.
58
emaw63 Apr 16, 2026 +24
Yeah, my hunch is that Leo would not be the Pope right now if Harris had won.
24
sopheroo Apr 16, 2026 +53
I wasn't either, but he's absolutely following the message of Christ so he's doing his job right. He's still a White Sox fan though:(
53
May_die Apr 16, 2026 +25
Well he is only human 😂
25
Slyrunner Apr 16, 2026 +88
And yet my Catholic parents handwave his comments and lessons as "Marxist" Sigh
88
metengrinwi Apr 16, 2026 +157
Jesus was of course famous for being a h******* capitalist.
157
arbicus123 Apr 16, 2026 +65
"Thy shall exploit the poor" -Jesus Christ
65
Rokekor Apr 16, 2026 +30
‘The market shall inherit the earth’
30
jetsetninjacat Apr 16, 2026 +35
Supply side jesus was the comic we needed.
35
jce_ Apr 16, 2026 +25
Whenever Americans say stuff like this I always ask them to explain what it means. Ask them to define "Marxist" it's usually really funny. I guess not really funny because they're your parents but still
25
ShakeMyHeadSadly Apr 16, 2026 +19
How can you not? This man is fearless. Go get 'em, Leo!
19
Disgruntled_Smitty Apr 16, 2026 +15
I'm not religious in the slightest, but that's my Pope!
15
Worldly-Definition13 Apr 16, 2026 +711
Jd Vance and Trump foaming at the mouth at this moment
711
Oxbix Apr 16, 2026 +1038
OP didn't even post the best part from the article , imo: Thursday, the Pope added: “Woe to those who manipulate religion ⁠and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth. It is a world turned upside down, an exploitation of God’s creation that must be denounced and rejected by every honest conscience.”
1038
Juran_Alde Apr 16, 2026 +168
Damn, what a solid quote.
168
IDreamofHeeney Apr 16, 2026 +37
Damn the pope is abit of a chad
37
DocJawbone Apr 16, 2026 +64
Holy shit this goes hard
64
hanimal16 Apr 16, 2026 +77
See the catholics are going to be looking to the pope, not trump or vance, so this is a good quote.
77
Fresh_Action1594 Apr 16, 2026 +71
The large majority of Catholic trump supporters in the US could not care less what the pope is saying. They will side with Trump
71
IDreamofHeeney Apr 16, 2026 +71
Thats because they are in a cult
71
NRMusicProject Apr 16, 2026 +37
"Not my pope!" Which they think is the same energy as "not my president!" Saying you know more about the bible than the man who has been confirmed to know more about the Bible than any other living Catholic, with the exception of maybe a handful of cardinals--his peers--shows a vast ignorance of your own religion. Denying your own religion because a man painted in orange says he's Jesus is jumping into a cult.
37
Oregon-Pilot Apr 16, 2026 +16
“Darkness and filth” I love that. It sums up current US admin perfectly and what they are doing perfectly.
16
StraighOuttaCrompton Apr 16, 2026 +86
Both Vance and Rubio are Catholic, and Vance has a book ABOUT his relationship with Catholicism being published very soon. I take much pleasure knowing how painful that promo tour will be for him. I doubt he’s happy or in agreement with Trump on his matter, alongside a good majority of his Catholic voters.
86
Allaplgy Apr 16, 2026 +40
Vance and plenty of the voters don't consider this Pope to be a good Catholic. Yes, that's as dumb as it sounds.
40
Apoxie Apr 16, 2026 +33
Then they are by definition not catholics.
33
kadawkins Apr 16, 2026 +15
He only wrote the book to get away from his couch loving image. This is a very poor, insincere attempt to look better than he is. Manipulative grifter without the personality.
15
PinchMaNips Apr 16, 2026 +617
I’m not a religious fellow, but I’m in the pope’s corner. F*** these tyrants!
617
ProfessionalMovie759 Apr 16, 2026 +133
Send Pope for peace agreement.
133
koolaidkirby Apr 16, 2026 +419
Amazing how quoting open ended Christian beliefs are controversial direct political attacks these days.
419
PuzzleCat365 Apr 16, 2026 +91
That's nothing new, they crucified people for doing it.
91
Pigeon_Breeze Apr 16, 2026 +24
These days? It's always been like that.
24
VereksHarad Apr 16, 2026 +171
“Let not any one pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part, and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing. He is not a good man who, without a protest, allows wrong to be committed in his name, and with the means which he helps to supply, because he will not trouble himself to use his mind on the subject.” John Stu­art Mill The man is good, probably. I'm not a catholic. But the whole point is that - instead of sitting and doing nothing ( or a bare minimum of what needs to be done) - evil people should be stopped. If a punishment for evil is a pretty much none existing - evil people have no point in stopping.
171
oxxcccxxo Apr 16, 2026 +56
100%. What was the point of all these international institutions if international laws are mere suggestions for certain countries? International law is dead, U.S. rule of law is dead. Donald Trump has laid bare that Americans connected enough can do anything with impunity- even r*** children. What happened to the Epstein files?
56
VereksHarad Apr 16, 2026 +21
Yeah. Or the fact that Russia literally broke a treaty in 2008 - and no one did anything about it. It's started a all-out war - and everyone was concerned with not insulting them too much out of fear of escalation. It's literally struck Poland several times - and it had no reaction at all. Only in effective slaps on the wrist.
21
Reasonable-Growth112 Apr 16, 2026 +183
This guy is amazing I have to say
183
theshadow1983 Apr 16, 2026 +175
As a Catholic, I was worried that the Pope chosen to succeed the great Francis (rest in peace) might make the Church go backwards. But with each passing day, Leo has been making me proud
175
Staschman Apr 16, 2026 +35
I was just made a Catholic this Easter with baptism, confirmation and first communion and man, I'm just getting more proud of our church the more Pope Leo takes a stand.
35
[deleted] Apr 16, 2026 +36
[deleted]
36
DataDude00 Apr 16, 2026 +95
He’s not wrong.  There are a couple dozen people in the world that are making it infinitely worse for everyone.  Whether that is Trump, Putin, Musk or Zuckerberg they can all disappear tomorrow as far as I’m concerned 
95
Outrageous_Bit9056 Apr 16, 2026 +42
How can you forget Natanyahu? And although not on world scale but Modi has been f****** up India (1.4 billion people) for a long time now.
42
just-here-for--porn_ Apr 16, 2026 +70
Pope versus the Anti-Christ This is a hell of a timeline we've wandered into.
70
Zlimness Apr 16, 2026 +122
The Vatican is about to be tariffed and sanctioned. Can't speak in that manner of tone about Trump Jesus.
122
qweef_latina2021 Apr 16, 2026 +96
That's DOCTOR Trump Jesus.
96
AffectionateSwan5129 Apr 16, 2026 +81
It must really really sting the US politicians even more that the first American pope hates them all haha
81
iAwesome3 Apr 16, 2026 +51
No, none of them give a shit. They didn’t have morals to begin with and they just use religion to weaponize their base. Wait until more Republicans politicians start bashing on the Pope besides Trump and Vance. I can’t wait for the day all of these mother fuckers end up in Hell. I bet Satans going to pour out a nice glass of whiskey when he gets those two and these other war mongering freaks in office.
51
AffectionateSwan5129 Apr 16, 2026 +11
I genuinely feel one of the few figureheads in the world not to go after because it’s political poison is the pope..
11
NegativeVega Apr 16, 2026 +19
That's why he was chosen as the pope, american to push back against america more effectively without being handwaved as a foreign adversary
19
Upset_throwaway2277 Apr 16, 2026 +25
He’s not wrong. Trump supporters are the farthest thing from actual Christians, nowhere does the Bible say be racists and love pedos.
25
Smrleda Apr 16, 2026 +22
The pope is speaking truth and instead of leaders listening they continue to condemn and cut funding. The leaders truly do not want peace- they want power and that will destroy us.
22
shohinbalcony Apr 16, 2026 +20
Trump: you should stop criticiz... Pope: THE EARS OF GOD ARE DEAF TO THE PRAYERS OF THOSE WHO GLORIFY MURDER
20
Cornandhamtastegood Apr 16, 2026 +17
Any Catholic who chooses Trump over the Pope isn’t Catholic
17
Strange_Status_7690 Apr 16, 2026 +34
Tyrants with money and weapons like nuclear arms and cash to spend on bombardments.
34
Frobo89 Apr 16, 2026 +37
Just waiting for Donald to confirm he is an tyrant by attacking Pope on this.
37
Irrepressible_Monkey Apr 16, 2026 +9
Probably won't be waiting long. There's no trap so obvious he won't blunder into it.
9
Rough_Buddy6903 Apr 16, 2026 +15
AND THE POPE FROM THE TOP ROPE
15
thefarmiddle Apr 16, 2026 +14
Wanna see sparks really fly? Give this pope the Nobel peace prize.
14
sachiprecious Apr 16, 2026 +14
>"Woe to those who manipulate religion ⁠and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth." >"It is a world turned upside down, an exploitation of God’s creation that must be denounced and rejected by every honest conscience." ... >"They turn a blind eye to the fact that billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation, yet the resources needed for healing, education and restoration are nowhere to be found." I LOVE this Pope!!! 🥰🥰🥰 He is amazing. These comments are spot on. Although not Catholic, I'm a Christian and I think Pope Leo genuinely has a heart that follows Jesus.
14
Mikedzines Apr 16, 2026 +11
A moment to destroy. A lifetime is often not enough to rebuild. Words that will stick with me
11
gmonster12 Apr 16, 2026 +27
As an atheist, this pope might be winning me over.
27
zAIMBOTz Apr 16, 2026 +11
Never would I have imagined a world where I, someone who is agnostic, would see the (first American!) Pope in opposition to a sitting American President, and I side with the Pope. Finally a public figure using their publicity to call out blatant hypocrisy. This may genuinely move the MAGA needle away from Trump, something that is desperately needed. But you know what they say about someone backed into a corner with nothing to lose..
11
pupersom Apr 16, 2026 +38
I'm very anti church and religion on general. But this pope is being a real dude. Gives me some hope at least...
38
Anaevya Apr 16, 2026 +35
Every religion has good aspects, otherwise it would die out pretty fast.  I feel some militant atheists like to forget this. You don't become a 2000 year old institution that tons of people believe in by only doing evil shit.
35
Island_Monkey86 Apr 16, 2026 +11
He is speaking with a voice of reason. Unfortunately for us all, the very people he is referring to will not be willing to listen. A quote from Harry Potter / Voldemort comes to mind when I think about someone like Trump or Putin see the world.  "There is no good and evil, there is only power"
11
DoggedStooge Apr 16, 2026 +12
Thank God we've got another Cool Pope. Obviously still gonna be some social issues the church is going to lag behind on, but the guy is for sure in the Cool Pope zone.
12
lollipop999 Apr 16, 2026 +10
People were complaining because he's American but the guy is a f****** g
10
Ray1987 Apr 16, 2026 +10
When you have atheist, Protestants, and people from all religions getting on the same side, saying they think the Pope is right about you. You definitely fucked up.
10
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