Pope Leo XIV ends Africa tour

The 'quiet pope' has found a confident global voice during his four-nation tour of Africa, using his platform to challenge the direction of international leadership.

Leo XIV repeatedly criticized the human cost of the conflict in the Middle East, specifically targeting the U.S.-Israeli military strategy.

His remarks have sparked a public back-and-forth with President Trump, who recently mocked the pope's activism.

On his return flight, the pontiff reaffirmed his opposition to war and capital punishment, signaling a pivotal turning point in his papacy's engagement with global politics.