Vatican prioritises Africa and peace in first year amid diplomatic rift with Trump administration
One year after his election, the pontiff has spent more time in Africa than any predecessor and avoided a US visit following a public clash over Iran
One year after his election in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV has marked his first year in office with a distinct focus on the themes of peace and a strategic prioritisation of Africa. This approach has defined his early tenure, particularly as the Catholic Church continues to grow at an average of 3% annually on the continent while facing stagnation in Europe.
The pontiff's time in Africa has been extensive, with Leo spending eleven days across four African countries in April 2026. This itinerary surpasses the total time spent on the continent by Pope Benedict XVI during his eight-year pontificate, reflecting a deliberate decision to align with a 150-year trend of papal attention to the region.
While maintaining cordial relations with European nations, including a planned six-day visit to Spain that includes stops in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, the Pope has avoided visiting the United States during President Donald Trump's presidency. The planned Spanish itinerary specifically links holiday destinations with the reality of migration from Africa, with the final two days in tourist islands now receiving increasing numbers of refugees arriving by boat.
A significant diplomatic confrontation occurred between Pope Leo XIV and US President Donald Trump regarding US foreign policy, specifically threats against Iran. Following US-Israeli attacks on Iran, Trump publicly threatened to destroy the nation, stating a whole civilisation would die, which prompted Leo to issue a statement rejecting the threat and cautioning against aggressive foreign policy.
The clash escalated when Trump attacked the Pope personally, calling him politically very left and terrible in foreign policy. Church historian Jörg Ernesti described the President's attack as unprecedented and utterly senseless, noting that no leader had ever spoken so disparagingly about a pope. In response, Leo remained composed, warning against fantasies of omnipotence and stating he was not afraid of the President or his administration.
Instead of visiting the United States for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Pope was present on the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa to emphasise global migration and refugee crises. This indirect response to the administration's hopes highlighted the Vatican's focus on displacement, with Leo stressing the plight of millions forced to flee worldwide rather than engaging with the US President's rhetoric.
