Pope Leo Trolls Trump With Rebuke of Attacks on Journalists

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Daily Beast

Published Jun. 21 2025 5:45PM EDT


Pope Leo XIV made a pointed remark about the dangers of inhibiting the freedom of the press. “Wherever a journalist is silenced, the democratic soul of a country is weakened,” the pontiff wrote in a statement, which was read aloud after a theatrical performance about a real journalist who faced legal challenges and threats for her work.

Leo didn’t explicitly mention Donald Trump. But the American president, whom Leo has taken shots at in the past, has made a number of controversial moves against his country’s journalists since returning to office in January.

Trump has barred the Associated Press from the White House press pool, sicced the FCC on news outlets he dislikes, and gutted the government-funded broadcaster Voice of America.

“In this time of profound institutional and social tensions, defending free and ethical journalism is not only an act of justice, but a duty of all those who yearn for a solid and participatory democracy,” the Pope said in his statement.

Read more: https://www.thedailybeast.com/pope-leo-trolls-trump-with-rebuke-of-attacks-on-journalists/

[ananda]

1. Isn't it nice to have a pope who is not afraid of politics?

...

[hamsterjill]

2. I love Leo!

I'm not a Catholic, but I love this man. I was grateful for Francis, and he was amazing. But Leo seems to have a way about him where he can punch someone in a loving way. Maybe it's the Chicago upbringing??? I don't know. But I like it whatever it is.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

3. Pope Leo has the Holy Trinity on his side. What more does he need?

For it doesn't get any better than that!

[Kid Berwyn]

4. Freedom of the Press is to Democracy...

…what Violence is to Fascism.

[The Grand Illuminist]

5. MAGA calls him Pope Bob

nt