He went on to commend the bravery and dedication of journalists who report from the world’s most dangerous places—often at great personal risk.
“The Church recognizes these witnesses—I am thinking of those who report on war even at the cost of their lives—the courage of those who defend dignity, justice, and the right of people to be informed, because only informed individuals can make free choices.”
Observers were quick to draw connections between Pope Leo’s remarks and Trump’s signature style of communication. Many noted the contrast between the pope’s call for humility and the former president’s typically loud and confrontational tone. One Twitter user replied to a tweet about the pope’s speech with: “Cc: @WhiteHouse @realDonaldTrump”
Others labeled the comments as the pope “shading Trump.”
At the conclusion of the press conference, NewsNation reporter Robert Sherman asked Pope Leo if he had “any message for the United States.”
With a smile, the pope simply replied: “Many. God bless you all.”
