Overview
- The Pope, speaking to reporters on his flight from Cameroon to Angola on Saturday, said he is not interested in debating President Trump and noted his Africa speeches were drafted well before Trump’s remarks.
- He celebrated a mass in Yaoundé attended by about 200,000 people under heavy security, then flew to Luanda to begin the Angola leg of his trip.
- He stressed that he is traveling as a pastor rather than a political actor and used his homilies to condemn war, denounce tyrants, and urge solidarity and the dignity of every person.
- U.S. Catholic bishops and prominent clergy called Trump’s remarks disrespectful, and wealthy Catholic benefactors signaled continued support for the Pope and ongoing ties with the Holy See.
- Vice President JD Vance shifted tone on Sunday by thanking the Pope for clarifying he does not seek a debate, as analysts say Trump’s offensive has largely backfired by uniting diverse Catholic factions around the pontiff.