Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Pope Leo XIV Begins Inaugural Africa Trip Amid Trump Criticism

4/16/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On April 15, 2026, a journalist prepared to accompany Pope Leo XIV on his inaugural papal trip to Africa, departing Fiumicino Airport in Rome.
The urgency increased after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the pope on social media.
The pope travels on ITA Airways' Shepherd One, where he interacts with journalists during flights and the Vatican press corps uses a lottery to select questioners for news conferences on return flights.

1 of 1

Story summary

On April 15, 2026, a journalist prepared to accompany Pope Leo XIV on his inaugural papal trip to Africa, departing Fiumicino Airport in Rome.
The urgency increased after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the pope on social media.
The pope travels on ITA Airways' Shepherd One, where he interacts with journalists during flights and the Vatican press corps uses a lottery to select questioners for news conferences on return flights.