Pope Leo XIV shed his previous image as he denounced war in the Middle East and responded assertively to criticism by President Donald Trump.
The pontiff's 11-day trip to Africa concluded on Thursday with a papacy seemingly transformed, Pope Leo XIV now demonstrating an ability to roar.
During his tour through Africa, Pope Leo XIV met with the archbishop of Bamenda, Cameroon, Andrew Nkea Fuanya, and freed a white dove at the end of a meeting for peace this month.
The Vatican has not commented on specific criticisms made by President Trump, but sources close to the Pope suggest he is determined to take a stronger stance on global issues.