Catégorie oBox : BuzzNews

Pope Leo, the first American pope, delivered sharp criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies during an exchange with journalists at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome.

Pope Leo on Tuesday strongly criticized Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies, questioning whether they were in line with the Catholic church’s “pro-life” teachings.

— Guardian US (@us.theguardian.com) 2025-10-01T16:08:00.856Z

In response to a question from an American reporter, he described Trump’s policies as «inhumane».

An immediate backlash from Catholic leaders

According to The Guardian, the pope had been asked about the archdiocese of Chicago’s decision to award the «Keep Hope Alive Award» next month to Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, honoring his role in immigration reform and support for immigrants.

Durbin’s nomination, however, drew immediate backlash from Catholic leaders because of his stance in favor of abortion rights, prompting the Cardinal of Chicago to withdraw it.

«Someone who says I am against abortion but I am in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don’t know if that’s pro-life.»

The inhuman treatment of immigrants

Addressing the issue, the pope told Reuters: «It is very important to look at the overall work that the senator has done.» He then broadened his reflection on what it truly means to be pro-life, drawing a contrast with Trump’s record: «Someone who says I am against abortion but I am in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don’t know if that’s pro-life.»

He further expanded his criticism following Trump’s announcement of plans to introduce the death penalty in Washington and extend it nationwide: «Someone who says I am against abortion but says I am in favour of the death penalty is not really pro-life.»

In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the president, stressing that Trump was elected on the basis of numerous promises, including the pledge to deport «criminal illegal aliens», and added: «He is keeping his promise to the American people.»

Pope Leo multiplies criticism of Trump’s policies

Since his election in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has kept a measured tone in politics, yet he has not hesitated to challenge U.S. President Donald Trump on moral grounds. His remarks reflect a longer concern with U.S. immigration policies and the broader meaning of being truly «pro-life».

Even before becoming pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost had shared content critical of Trump’s immigration agenda. On social media, he reposted statements from Catholic leaders such as Cardinal Blase Cupich condemning family separations at the border as incompatible with Christian values. He also pointed to the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man deported under Trump’s policies, to highlight the «human suffering» caused by strict enforcement.

After his election, Leo signaled that human dignity, especially the treatment of migrants, would be central to his pontificate. In his first speeches, he stressed the Church’s duty to protect the vulnerable, a stance observers noted could put him at odds with Trump’s administration.

Pope Leo XIV blasted Trump’s “inhuman” treatment of immigrants, offering his most pointed criticism yet of U.S. policy.

— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast.bsky.social) 2025-10-01T14:34:19.675920Z

A few days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States — during which he reportedly expressed regret to Qatar for the strike on Doha in a three-way call with Trump — the U.S. president signed an executive order committing the United States to defend Qatar against any future attack.

President Trump signs an executive order for the US to guarantee the security of Qatar, in the wake of Israel's strike on Doha last month https://cnn.it/46LVmgj

— CNN (@cnn.com) 2025-10-01T14:36:54.281546227Z

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order pledging that the United States will defend Qatar in the event of any future attack, a dramatic move that follows Israel’s strike on Doha on September 9.

«This will not happen again on Qatari soil.»

A strong ally and friend

During his visit to Washington on September 29, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret to Qatari leaders in a three-way call with President Trump for the strike on Doha, acknowledging the breach of Qatar’s sovereignty and vowing it would not happen again.

The executive order, signed October 1, 2025, declares that any assault on Qatar’s sovereignty, territory, or infrastructure will be treated as a threat to U.S. national security. «The United States will stand with Qatar as a strong ally and friend,» White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

Trump also sought to reassure Gulf leaders, many of whom have urged him to rein in Israel.

«This will not happen again on Qatari soil,» Leavitt quoted Trump as telling Doha’s leadership.

«I’m not thrilled about the whole situation … I was very unhappy about it, very unhappy about every aspect.»

Israel’s Strike on Doha and Trump’s Reaction

On September 9, 2025, Israel carried out a surprise strike on Doha, Qatar, targeting what it claimed were Hamas operatives allegedly using Qatari territory as a safe haven. The attack left one Qatari security officer dead and damaged civilian infrastructure, sparking immediate condemnation across the Gulf.

The White House quickly distanced itself from the operation. President Trump insisted he had not ordered or approved the strike, placing responsibility squarely on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump later said he was «not thrilled» by Israel’s decision, signaling rare public frustration with a close ally:

«I’m not thrilled about the whole situation … I was very unhappy about it, very unhappy about every aspect.»

In the days following, Gulf leaders convened an emergency summit in Doha, urging Trump to rein in Israel and prevent further escalations. The controversy set the stage for Trump’s subsequent executive order pledging that any future attack on Qatar would be treated as a threat to U.S. national security.

A $400 million gift to Trump

In May 2025, Qatar presented President Donald Trump with a Boeing 747-8 private jet, a gift valued at nearly $400 million. The luxurious aircraft, offered directly to Trump rather than the U.S. government, has stirred controversy among legal scholars and ethics watchdogs, who cite the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which bars presidents from accepting personal gifts from foreign states without congressional approval. The Trump administration defended the gesture as a token of friendship from a key Gulf ally.

According to aides, once his presidency ends, Trump plans to transfer the aircraft to his future presidential library as a centerpiece exhibit.

Trump prompted Netanyahu to apologize to Qatar for bombing its capital.

— Politico (@politico.com) 2025-09-29T18:18:08.835Z

A few days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States — during which he reportedly expressed regret to Qatar for the strike on Doha in a three-way call with Trump — the U.S. president signed an executive order committing the United States to defend Qatar against any future attack.

President Trump signs an executive order for the US to guarantee the security of Qatar, in the wake of Israel's strike on Doha last month https://cnn.it/46LVmgj

— CNN (@cnn.com) 2025-10-01T14:36:54.281546227Z

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order pledging that the United States will defend Qatar in the event of any future attack, a dramatic move that follows Israel’s strike on Doha on September 9.

«This will not happen again on Qatari soil.»

A strong ally and friend

During his visit to Washington on September 29, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret to Qatari leaders in a three-way call with President Trump for the strike on Doha, acknowledging the breach of Qatar’s sovereignty and vowing it would not happen again.

The executive order, signed October 1, 2025, declares that any assault on Qatar’s sovereignty, territory, or infrastructure will be treated as a threat to U.S. national security. «The United States will stand with Qatar as a strong ally and friend,» White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

Trump also sought to reassure Gulf leaders, many of whom have urged him to rein in Israel.

«This will not happen again on Qatari soil,» Leavitt quoted Trump as telling Doha’s leadership.

«I’m not thrilled about the whole situation … I was very unhappy about it, very unhappy about every aspect.»

Israel’s Strike on Doha and Trump’s Reaction

On September 9, 2025, Israel carried out a surprise strike on Doha, Qatar, targeting what it claimed were Hamas operatives allegedly using Qatari territory as a safe haven. The attack left one Qatari security officer dead and damaged civilian infrastructure, sparking immediate condemnation across the Gulf.

The White House quickly distanced itself from the operation. President Trump insisted he had not ordered or approved the strike, placing responsibility squarely on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump later said he was «not thrilled» by Israel’s decision, signaling rare public frustration with a close ally:

«I’m not thrilled about the whole situation … I was very unhappy about it, very unhappy about every aspect.»

In the days following, Gulf leaders convened an emergency summit in Doha, urging Trump to rein in Israel and prevent further escalations. The controversy set the stage for Trump’s subsequent executive order pledging that any future attack on Qatar would be treated as a threat to U.S. national security.

A $400 million gift to Trump

In May 2025, Qatar presented President Donald Trump with a Boeing 747-8 private jet, a gift valued at nearly $400 million. The luxurious aircraft, offered directly to Trump rather than the U.S. government, has stirred controversy among legal scholars and ethics watchdogs, who cite the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which bars presidents from accepting personal gifts from foreign states without congressional approval. The Trump administration defended the gesture as a token of friendship from a key Gulf ally.

According to aides, once his presidency ends, Trump plans to transfer the aircraft to his future presidential library as a centerpiece exhibit.

Trump prompted Netanyahu to apologize to Qatar for bombing its capital.

— Politico (@politico.com) 2025-09-29T18:18:08.835Z

On Sunday, a shooting and arson attack occurred at a church in Michigan.

The assailant drove a pickup truck into the church building, began shooting at the congregation and then set fire to the building.

The chapel on McCandlish Road is the latest place of worship to be devastated by unrelenting gun violence, and the FBI is now leading the investigation into the attack as an act of targeted violence, authorities said. https://cnn.it/46YztvA

— CNN (@cnn.com) 2025-09-29T08:00:15.03357047Z

Law enforcement arrived quickly after a 911 call and confronted the gunman.

He was killed in a shootout about eight minutes after the attack began.

At least four worshippers were killed and eight others injured in the attack. Some reports indicate that two of the victims died on the spot, while others later succumbed in the fire-ravaged building.

Investigators believe the fire was started deliberately using petrol or some other accelerant. Explosive devices were also reported at the scene, prompting the Michigan State Police bomb squad to intervene outside the suspected shooter’s residence.

Political connections and unanswered questions

The suspect, later identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, was a former U.S. Marine and Iraq War veteran.

Who is Michigan church attacker Thomas Jacob Sanford: Iraq war vet 'suffered from PTSD' and wore 'Make Liberals Cry Again' shirt Full story: buff.ly/hQoCJUj

— Daily Mail (@dailymail.co.uk) 2025-09-29T11:30:15.287Z

Although the suspect has been identified, the investigation into his background and motives continues. According to articles in The Guardian and the Daily Mail, the man accused of the fatal shooting and burning at a Mormon church in Michigan is believed to have political leanings in favor of Trump.

The Daily Mail reported that a family photo showed him wearing a « Re-elect Trump 2020 » T-shirt. The suspect also appeared in a Facebook post wearing a T-shirt with the slogan « Make Liberals Cry », according to one of the posts.

According to The Guardian, Google Maps images from June show a sign with Trump’s name attached to a fence next to Sanford’s home in Burton, Michigan.

Sanford’s silver van, which he drove into the church, had two American flags on the back.

Another targeted attack

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said she spoke with FBI Director Kash Patel, who told her that the suspect « hated people of the Mormon faith. »

Leavitt said investigators were still looking into the degree of planning behind the attack and whether Sanford had left a note. According to Ms. Leavitt, the FBI has executed several search warrants at the suspect’s home and at his family’s homes, and his relatives are cooperating with the investigation. She added that, while many questions remain, the FBI will « get to the bottom » of the shooter’s motives.

Ms. Leavitt refrained from confirming a definitive motive, but echoed President Trump’s characterization of the rampage as an attack on Christians.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote: « I have been informed of the horrific shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The FBI immediately went to the scene and will conduct the federal investigation, while providing full support to state and local authorities. The suspect is dead, but there is still much to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack against Christians in the United States of America. The Trump administration will keep the public informed, as it always does. In the meantime, pray for the victims and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST STOP, IMMEDIATELY! »

Trump’s press secretary made the claim as officials continue to probe the shooter's motive.

— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast.bsky.social) 2025-09-29T14:19:28.529712Z

Late at night last week, actor Josh Hartnett was reportedly hospitalized after the SUV he was riding in was involved in a collision with a police vehicle in Canada.

According to TMZ, citing a CBC News report, the two vehicles collided at around 1 a.m. on Thursday, as Josh Hartnett was returning home from a day of filming for a Netflix series.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TMZ (@tmz_tv)

At the time of the accident, Hartnett was on the passenger side, while the car was being driven by a man whose identity remains unknown.

Josh Hartnett was reportedly not the only person hospitalized: a police officer involved in the accident was also taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, according to local authorities.

While the vehicles involved were heavily damaged, the three people hospitalized suffered only minor injuries and were quickly treated.

The accident is believed to have occurred at the intersection of New Cove Road and Elizabeth Avenue in St. John’s, and police are reportedly appealing for witnesses and anyone with images that could be linked to the case.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Josh Hartnett (@joshhartnettofficial)