Pope Leo XIV addresses interpretations of his remarks, denies feud with President Trump
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Pope Leo XIV stated on Saturday that he regretted how his remarks were interpreted as a response to criticism from President Donald Trump, emphasizing he has no interest in debating the US leader. He clarified that a speech he delivered in Cameroon on Thursday about "tyrants" ransacking the world was written before Trump's comments about him and his message of peace. The Pope noted that the remarks were perceived as an attempt to start a new debate with the President, which he said does not interest him. He added that much of what has been written since then has been commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what was said. Pope Leo XIV had made the "tyrants" remarks during a visit to Bamenda, Cameroon, the center of an English-speaking separatist insurgency. These remarks were interpreted by US media as a reference to Trump. Trump had previously stated on April 12 that he was "not a big fan of Pope Leo" and accused him of "toying with a country Iran that wants a nuclear weapon," later reiterating his comments on Truth Social, saying, "I don't want a Pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon" and that "Pope Leo is weak on Crime and terrible for Foreign Policy."
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Federal Government has instructed newly appointed Medical Directors of Federal Medical Centres to prioritize patient care and prevent industrial disputes that could disrupt healthcare services. This directive was issued in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace within hospitals for effective service delivery and urged the new appointees to engage health workers and unions consistently through an open-door policy. Salako also warned against denying patients access to care and announced the establishment of a task force on clinical governance and patient safety, directing Medical Directors to implement similar systems. Regarding staffing, he encouraged them to utilize the Federal Government’s fast-track waiver system for recruitment. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by Kamil Shoretire, acknowledged existing gaps in the health sector and called for improved performance. Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed Medical Directors, Evinly Nzeribe of FMC Okigwe pledged commitment to improving healthcare delivery, while Adamu Atterwharmie of FMC Birnin Kudu, representing those reappointed, promised loyalty to government directives. The appointed Medical Directors include Adamu Atterwharmie FMC Birnin Kudu, second term, Evinly Nzeribe FMC Okigwe, Umar Musami FNPH Maiduguri, Mu’azu S.I FMC Kumo, Omo Ekeneam
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund NELFUND has dismissed a circulating notice that claimed the suspension of its student loan disbursement program, labeling the document as fake. NELFUND stated on X that it has not announced any pause in disbursements and advised the public to disregard the message, relying solely on official communication channels. The fraudulent notice had suggested a temporary pause due to "unforeseen operational circumstances." NELFUND explicitly stated, "This document is fake. Kindly disregard the circulating letter on suspension of student loan disbursements. NELFUND has not issued any such directive." The fund urged students and stakeholders to seek verified updates through its official platforms to prevent misinformation. This clarification comes as the scheme, established by the Federal Government, has reportedly benefited over one million students and cost over N1.1bn, with more than 160,000 youths also receiving digital skills training under related initiatives.
Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and publisher, has rejected calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside from the 2027 presidential race. Momodu described the campaign against Atiku as “unbridled chicanery” in response to activist Zekeri Idris Jnr, who argued that Atiku's projected age of 80 by 2027 made him unfit for the presidency. Momodu stated on X that those targeting Atiku should instead focus on holding the ruling government accountable. He cited several global leaders, including former United States Presidents Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Bernie Sanders, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President Muhammadu Buhari, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and Liberian President Joseph Boakai, as examples of individuals who served effectively at an advanced age. Idris had previously released a video urging Atiku's allies to persuade him to withdraw, claiming that Nigeria's challenges require different energy and that no young Nigerian would vote for an 80-year-old candidate. Idris also suggested Atiku should act as an elder statesman by uniting younger contenders like Peter Obi and former Kano Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Atiku, who lost to President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election, is reportedly considering the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket for 2027.
Must ReadA CNN investigation has uncovered online spaces where men allegedly exchange advice and materials on how to sexually abuse women, described by experts and lawmakers as an "online rape academy." These networks operate across websites and encrypted messaging platforms, with members reportedly sharing tips on how to drug women, often their partners, and carry out assaults without their knowledge. Some groups, including chatrooms on Telegram, encouraged users to upload videos of assaults and discuss methods to evade detection. The investigation links these communities to past criminal cases, including one in France where a man was accused of repeatedly drugging his wife and facilitating her assault by others. While some individuals connected to these networks have been identified, arrested, and convicted, enforcement remains challenging due to anonymity, encrypted platforms, and underreporting of drug-facilitated sexual abuse. Tech companies, including Telegram, have stated they are taking steps to address the issue, with some exposed groups being shut down. Experts highlight this as a growing global concern regarding the misuse of digital platforms for sexual violence, prompting calls from lawmakers and advocacy groups for stronger regulations, improved monitoring, and closer collaboration between tech companies and law enforcement.