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US Vice-President JD Vance has urged the Vatican to focus on morality and let President Trump handle public policy, responding to Pope Leo's criticism of the Iran war as 'absurd and inhuman violence.' The pope said he does not fear the administration and will keep speaking out. Vance also faced a heckler at a Turning Point USA event.
President Trump's public clash with Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war and his sharing of an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus have sparked backlash, including among conservative Catholic allies. Analysts say the controversy could affect Republican prospects in the midterm elections, especially among white Catholic voters in key swing states.
Pope Leo XIV has begun an 11-day tour of four African nations, starting with a historic first papal visit to Algeria. His itinerary includes meetings with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, visits to key religious sites, and speeches focused on peace, interfaith dialogue, and social justice.
French President Emmanuel Macron met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican for their first official talks, with the war in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon expected to dominate the agenda. The meeting comes against the backdrop of the ongoing Iran war and France's domestic debate over assisted dying.
Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Easter blessing as pontiff, urging those with power to unleash wars to choose peace and criticizing global indifference to conflicts. The celebration took place against the backdrop of the ongoing West Asia conflict, which began with U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran in February. The Pope also announced a prayer vigil at the Vatican for April 11 and expressed closeness to the people of Lebanon.