Pope Leo appears to take aim at Trump while calling out ‘fake news’

VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV blasted “fake news” on social media while seemingly taking a jat at President Donald Trump.

The religious leader’s social media post came after he urged world leaders for peace in his Easter message.

Pope Leo says truth illuminates 'even the deepest darkness'

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the pope shared with his millions of followers on Monday, April 6, “Often, the proclamation of truth is obscured by what we today call ‘fake news’ — lies, insinuations, and unfounded accusations.” 

“Yet, in the face of such obstacles, the truth does not remain hidden; rather, it comes forth to meet us, living and radiant, illuminating even the deepest darkness,” he added. Pope Leo's comment appeared to take aim at Trump since the POTUS has repeatedly tagged several mainstream media outlets as "fake news" to avoid negative coverage about himself or his administration.

Just a day earlier, the Head of the Catholic Church demanded peace over war during his first Easter Mass.

Pope Leo focuses on achieving peace through dialogue

The pope said on Sunday, “Let us allow our hearts to be transformed by his immense love for us! Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace!”

“Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!” he added.

Pope Leo did not directly mention the ongoing US-Iran war or the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. But he added, “We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent—indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people.”

Pope Francis demanded peace over war before his death

The current pope’s predecessor, Pope Francis, also urged peace in his 2025 Easter message.

He had said, “There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others. What a great thirst for death, for killing we see in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world.”

Trump threatens to destroy Iran

The pope’s online post came as Trump threatened Iran with dire consequences over the weekend. Washington and Tehran have been engaged in the war for over a month now, and despite Trump saying it will end soon following a negotiation, there's no official confirmation from either of the side.

In a Truth Social post on Saturday, the commander-in-chief wrote, “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!”

His Sunday post was more intense as Trump added, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F***** Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”