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fter a first year as pope marked by caution and restraint, Pope Leo XIV is now making his voice heard and directly challenging those in power. This reminder of their responsibilities was originally meant to be part of a lengthy apostolic tour across the African continent. But Leo XIV's lesson took on a unique tone after repeated provocations from US President Donald Trump, who could not bear being criticized by the successor of Saint Peter regarding his chosen war against Iran.

Yet this admonition, consistent with the Catholic Church's message of peace, was just as predictable as, from a military standpoint, Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for the American and Israeli bombings. By attacking the pope for being "weak" and posting a Christ-like image of himself on his social network, Trump mainly offered yet another illustration of his fragile ego.

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American Catholics outraged at Trump's attack of pope and AI-generated image of himself as Christ