Desk Correspondent , Washington DC - Pope Leo XIV delivered a fiery denunciation of global tyrants fueling war and exploitation during his visit to Cameroon, remarks widely seen as a sharp rebuke to US President Donald Trump's administration and its aggressive foreign policies, including the Iran conflict. Speaking in Bamenda amid jubilant crowds in a separatist conflict zone, the Chicago born pontiff urged a decisive change of course, decrying billions spent on destruction while resources for healing and education are ignored.
The US's first pope has clashed repeatedly with Trump since his 2025 election, criticizing mass deportations as disrespectful to immigrants and US military actions in Venezuela and Iran as driven by delusion of omnipotence. Tensions boiled over recently after a CBS 60 Minutes segment featuring US cardinals echoing Leo's views prompted Trump's 334 word Truth Social tirade, calling the pope WEAK on Crime and claiming he owes his papacy to Trump's White House presence. Leo responded aboard his flight to Algiers, starting an 11 day tour of Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea his first major 2026 overseas trip insisting his peace appeals target no individual but highlight religion's misuse for political gain. He blasted war masters blind to rebuilding's lifelong toil and condemned Africa's exploitation for profit.
Trump defended his attacks, posting AI images portraying himself as a healer amid backlash from his Catholic base, while Leo doubled down on peace amid high security visits spotlighting neglected African crises. This Vatican White House rift, unprecedented between an American pope and president, amplifies global calls for de-escalation as Leo's tour underscores the Church's focus on Africa's growing Catholic communities.
At least 32 people have died and more than 700 have been injured after powerful twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, triggering a state of emergency and international offers of aid.
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after twin earthquakes killed at least 32 people, causing building collapses, injuries, and widespread disruption across affected regions.
Iran has warned that ships entering the Strait of Hormuz without authorization could face action, raising concerns over shipping security and global energy supplies in the Gulf region.
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after twin powerful earthquakes struck near its Caribbean coast, causing building collapses, widespread panic, and ongoing aftershocks.
Indian refiners are expected to remain cautious despite a temporary U.S. sanctions waiver on Iranian oil, citing concerns over payments, shipping, insurance, and regulatory risks.
Iran has hailed the U.S.-Iran agreement as a victory for Tehran, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tours Gulf nations to reassure allies about the fragile regional peace framework.
Iranian President Pezeshkian said Tehran’s missile and deterrence capabilities are non-negotiable, signaling that any future deal with the U.S. will not include restrictions on Iran’s defense program.
President Trump criticized Keir Starmer following his resignation announcement, linking the move to disagreements over energy, immigration, and broader policy decisions.
The U.S. Senate approved a War Powers resolution seeking to limit military action against Iran without congressional approval, marking a significant political setback for President Trump.
India is helping build Mongolia’s first oil refinery through a $1.7 billion project, a major step toward boosting Mongolia’s energy security and strengthening bilateral ties.
Iran says it will decide how to use its unfrozen assets while maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, signaling its intention to shape the terms of any long-term agreement with Washington.
Lebanon-Israel talks are set to resume as Iran insists the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions. The developments come as U.S.-Iran negotiations continue under a fragile regional ceasefire framework.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions, signaling its intention to play a direct role in the future management of one of the world's most critical shipping routes.
Pakistan and Qatar said U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland made progress, with both sides beginning technical negotiations and agreeing on steps to reduce regional tensions.
Iran rejected Trump's comments on the Strait of Hormuz, saying the strategic waterway is not your personal casino amid ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations.
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