Pope Leo, the first American pope, has taken the unusual step of publicly criticising the Trump administration during his Africa tour. Speaking to reporters on board the papal plane, he said he did not fear the administration and would continue to speak strongly against war. His comments have positioned him as a visible international counterweight to the US president, who has previously criticised him. Despite this, neither Leo nor Trump have had any direct contact with them since their inauguration. The Vatican has announced that the pope will not visit the US in 2026 and plans to spend the anniversary of the Italian island of Lusa on the southern Italian island.