During his first press conference on May 12, Pope Leo XIV gave a notably concise response when asked if he had any message for the United States. The newly elected pontiff, who has made history as the first American pope, simply replied: “Many. God bless you all.”
Earlier in the event, Pope Leo spoke at length about the importance of responsible communication, seemingly taking a veiled jab at divisive rhetoric — a style often associated with U.S. President Donald Trump. He emphasized the need to abandon hostility in public discourse, calling for an end to “the war of words and images,” and urged for a more empathetic and inclusive way of engaging with the media and the public.
“We must strip communication of prejudice, resentment, fanaticism, and hatred,” he said. “We don’t need aggressive messaging — we need to listen and uplift unheard voices.”
His words led many to speculate that he was referencing Trump’s brash style on social media, especially in light of Trump’s recent claim that his political influence played a part in Pope Leo’s election — despite the U.S. president having no role in the conclave process.
Reactions to the Pope’s five-word reply quickly spread online. Some interpreted it as subtle but powerful, with one commenter saying it “sounded more like a warning than a blessing.”
Others noted that the Pope’s calm demeanor and gentle nature stand in stark contrast to Trump’s personality. Professor Anna Rowlands, a theologian in the UK, described Pope Leo as “serene, unassuming, and thoughtful — essentially the opposite of Trump.” She added that while the Pope may avoid direct confrontation, his words could still deliver strong moral challenges when the two eventually meet.
According to experts, Pope Leo is expected to address key global issues in future conversations with U.S. leadership, focusing on peace, justice, and shared human values — aiming for meaningful dialogue rather than division.