LUANDA, Angola (AP) — And in Africa, the lion roared.

There is a case to be made that Pope Leo XIV, the careful, reserved, Midwestern Augustinian, found his voice on his epic trip through Africa, blasting the “handful of tyrants” and “chains of corruption” that have held parts of the continent hostage for centuries.

But the fact is, Leo has been preaching this kind of message for a while now, including in the context of the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran. It just took U.S. President Donald Trump’s unprecedented broadside and Vice President JD Vance’s claims of theological superiority for many people to pay attention, especially American Catholics.

“Yes, Pope Leo might give the impression that he is engaging, in his quiet way and with authority, and this is how it looks to the world press and social media,” Cardinal Michael Czerny, a top Vatican official and aide to Leo, told The Associated Press.

“But in fact the Holy Father’s homilies and talks in Africa have been prepared, well in advance, in terms of the local African reality and the church,” Czerny said. “So, if they seem relevant to the current wars, controversy, this reminds us of Jesus saying, ‘Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear!’”

Leo tried to make that point when he came to the back of Air Pope One on April 18, en route from Cameroon to Angola, and complained that “a certain narrative” had taken hold suggesting he was in a feud with Trump over the Iran war and his peace messages in Africa were directed at the president.

Leo insisted his words about tyrants and the religious justification for war had been wrongly interpreted and he was referring only to the African context, and to a separatist conflict in western Cameroon, in particular.

The thin line of the pope’s explanation

But Leo also was trying to have it both ways. Yes, he was talking about the separatist conflict at a peace meeting in Bamenda. Yes, he was preaching the Gospel message of peace and fraternity. But he also has been talking about Trump, a lot.

“That distancing of Pope Leo from some interpretations was really a move to de-escalate a very dangerous situation,” said Massimo Faggioli, a professor of theology at Trinity College Dublin. “Because the Vatican needs the United States to restore some kind of peaceful — not order — but a horizon of peace, a hope of peace.”

Leo criticized Trump, directly, before he got to Africa. And in one remarkable comment two weeks ago, he encouraged the faithful to contact their congressional representatives to demand an end to the war.

The headline from the April 7 encounter outside Leo’s country house in Castel Gandolfo was that Leo had called Trump’s threat to annihilate Iranian civilization “truly unacceptable.”

But the more significant message followed. “I would invite the citizens of all the countries involved to contact the authorities, political leaders, congressmen, to ask them, tell them to work for peace and to reject war,” Leo said.

Faggioli termed the comment “the Vatican’s nuclear option,” making a direct appeal to U.S. voters to take a stand, because it genuinely feared Trump was about to take the Iran war in a vastly more catastrophic direction.

What came before Leo’s unprecedented appeal

The Holy See had never resorted to such a directly political message from a pope even at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, when a Catholic president — John F. Kennedy — was on the verge of a nuclear confrontation with the Soviet Union, Faggioli said.

At that moment, Pope John XXIII did make a public appeal — his famous Oct. 25, 1962, radio address — with a strong, direct plea for peace including to “those who have the responsibility of power” to “do everything in their power to save the peace.”

The pope also sent private letters to Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and worked behind the scenes through diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation. But he didn’t urge U.S. voters to essentially choose which Catholic to listen to: their president or their pope.

“What is at stake now is that at a time of war, loyalties of Catholics are tested in a particular way,” Faggioli said. He added that however the situation ultimately resolves itself, the tension will complicate any future political aspirations of Catholics seeking high office, whether Vance on the Republican side or California Gov. Gavin Newsom on the Democratic side, as long as a U.S.-born pope is still in Rome.

Kathleen Sprows Cummings, director of the Global Catholic Research Initiative at the University of Notre Dame, said Leo has consistently operated “on a higher plane” but American Catholics are used to church discussion of morality in the context of sexuality, gender and abortion, and it’s jarring to process foreign policy through a moral lens.

“So JD Vance can say the pope should stick to morality,” she said, “but war and peace are ancient moral issues.”

The Rev. Antonio Spadaro, the under-secretary in the Vatican’s culture department, said Leo is continuing in the tradition of popes past to preach the Gospel message of peace. What has changed, he said, was how Trump reacted.

“The strong reaction arrived from America,” he said. “It was America that reacted to Leo’s words, and not vice versa.”

Even with his direct comments about Trump, Leo was not engaging in an attack, Spadaro said.

“It’s very dangerous to imagine that the pope is fighting with Trump, because it means demeaning the pope to a level of contrast, one against the other, which Trump may want but that the pope has no intention of doing,” he said.

New role, same Leo, Vatican official says

Spadaro added that from his perch, Leo hasn’t changed at all from when he was known as Robert Prevost, the Chicago-born missionary priest.

“I see the Prevost I’ve always seen,” Spadaro said. “Let’s say it’s the backdrop that has changed, so his calm yet very direct style stands in stark contrast to a chaotic scenario, and that’s why it’s striking.”

For better or worse, the incredible saga of Trump, the war and geopolitics seems far removed from Leo’s day-to-day ministering to his flock in Africa, who have turned out in droves to welcome the American pope in each stop on his four-nation tour.

The polyglot pope has made it easy for them to hear his words, delivering speeches, homilies and prayers in the languages of the faithful: French in Algeria, English and French in Cameroon, Portuguese in Angola and, starting Tuesday, Spanish in Equatorial Guinea.

Lucineia Francisco left her family behind on Sunday so she could see Leo at the Shrine of Mama Muxima, Angola’s most popular pilgrimage destination. Some 30,000 people turned out for Leo’s rosary prayer.

“My kids were crying to come, but I said no,” Francisco said. “This is a spiritual journey that I’m really going to face on my own.”

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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This version corrects the title for Rev. Antonio Spadaro, the under-secretary in the Vatican’s culture department

Today’s best Travelodge discount codes and deals

Whether you’re booking a city break, business trip or weekend getaway, Travelodge offers affordable and comfortable stays across the UK and Ireland. With more than 580 locations, from bustling cities to coastal towns, it’s a go-to for travellers looking for value for money, without compromising on convenience. Here at The Independent, our deals team has curated the best Travelodge voucher codes to help you save even more.

Use the best price-finder tool

The handy price-finder helps you locate the lowest prices in a fraction of the time. Search by location or region to see all Travelodge hotels in your area. Their proximity to the location you provided and prices for each night will be available.

This is particularly useful for large cities or popular beach destinations, where prices can vary by more than £100 a night in the same area, depending on the date.

Business discount

Businesses, both big and small, can enjoy a special saving of five per cent when booking a stay with a flexible rate at Travelodge. Along with this discount, you’ll be able to amend or cancel your stay up until midday on your arrival date without any fees. Other benefits include:

Kids eat for £1

Families can save on added costs with the £1 kids’ breakfast offer. Children under 15 eat for just £1 when accompanied by a full-paying adult, which is a saving of nearly £9. Travelodge breakfasts are unlimited, with a choice of cereal, pastries, cooked breakfast options and juice – ideal for even the pickiest eaters.

Saver vs. flexible rates

When booking with Travelodge, you can choose between saver and flexible rates. Saver rates are cheaper (in fact, we found savings of 11.5 per cent on selected dates), but it’s important to note they are non-refundable and may incur amendment fees. Flexible rates cost more but come with free cancellation up to noon on the day of check-in, and can be amended at no extra charge.

Room types and optional extras

Every Travelodge room includes all of your essentials, such as a king-size bed, Freeview TV and tea and coffee facilities. However, you may want to consider a super room if you want an upgraded stay on a dedicated “quiet” floor. You’ll also get:

Extras you may want to consider before you arrive include:

How do I redeem my Travelodge discount code?

Select your room and head to checkout by clicking on ‘Book and Checkout.’ Locate the ‘Discount Code’ box in the ‘Basket Summary’ section, where you can enter your code.

Does Travelodge have an NHS or student discount?

Not anymore. Travelodge used to offer five per cent off for both groups, but not in the last few years.

Does Travelodge have a group discount?

Yes, larger groups can get special rates. For parties of 10 or more, use groupbookings@travelodge.co.uk or call 0330 041 2900. All guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is Travelodge family-friendly?

Yes. Travelodge has family rooms that can accommodate up to two adults and two children with a king-size bed and two pull-out beds. Cots are available free of charge but are subject to availability, so it’s worth requesting this prior to arrival.

Are pets allowed at Travelodge?

Many Travelodge hotels are dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry companion along with you. Pets can be added to your booking for £20 per room, with a limit of two pets per stay. Guide dogs are exempt from fees.

The Independent is committed to bringing readers the very best when it comes to deals and discounts of all kinds. Our consumer experts use their expertise to source the best offers from a selection of trusted online brands and retailers, along with tracking annual sales events and seasonal deals. Doing this day-to-day, our team certainly knows how to tell a great deal from a dud.

Need some inspiration for your next family getaway? We’ll help you find the perfect destination

At least two people are dead and “several” others are injured after a “planned fight” at a North Carolina park escalated into a mass shooting, authorities said.

Police have identified several victims and suspects after Monday’s shooting at Leinbach Park near Jefferson Middle School, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department.

Authorities confirmed there were multiple victims in the shooting, but did not provide an exact number. The suspects were still at large over two hours later.

Officers were called to the park just before 10 a.m. after reports of a fight, which then escalated into multiple people shooting each other.

Area schools are not in lockdown, and classes are operating as normal, police said.

“Due to the number of people involved, efforts are ongoing to account for everyone. At this time, some of those involved in the incident are juveniles,” police said.

According to local news station WFMY, at least three people were taken to the hospital. Officials have not shared their conditions.

Police said the shooting was an isolated incident and remains under investigation.

This is a developing story

Witnesses told how the number 24 service Go North East bus was involved in a crash with the car, which police said had failed to stop earlier.

The crash happened on the A1018 Sunderland Road in Cleadon, South Tyneside.

A passenger on the bus said: “I thought we had run over someone on a motorbike – lots of pieces of debris flew past the window.

“A few moments later, police cars dashed past, and the police helicopter was in the air, so it looked like they were in a police chase.”

The passenger said she “is still in shock.”

Police said a 21-year-old remains in custody on suspicion of dangerous driving.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At 8am today (Monday), we became aware of a vehicle of interest in the South Tyneside area.

“Later, the vehicle failed to stop when requested to do so by officers at about 1pm on Prince Edward Road and made off from the scene.

“A short time later, the vehicle was involved in a collision with another vehicle on the A1018 Sunderland Road before coming to a stop on Underhill Road in Cleadon.

“No-one is reported to have been injured in the incident.

“A man, aged 21, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving at the scene – he remains in police custody and enquiries are ongoing.”

In a statement, they added students were getting in touch with questions – “many of whom are among the most vulnerable, many are parents, many are from low-income backgrounds, many chose weekend study precisely because it was the only way they could access higher education around work and family commitments”.

TOKYO (AP) — An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.7 off northern Japan on Monday sparked a short-lived tsunami alert and prompted authorities to advise of a slightly higher risk of a possible mega-quake for coastal areas there.

The Cabinet Office and the Japan Meteorological Agency said there was a 1% chance for a mega-quake, compared to a 0.1% chance during normal times, in the next week or so following the powerful quake near the Chishima and Japan trenches.

Officials said the advisory was not a quake prediction but urged residents in 182 towns along the northeastern coasts to raise their preparedness while continuing their daily lives.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, speaking to reporters, urged residents in the affected area to confirm their designated shelters and evacuation routes and to check emergency food and grab bags so they can run immediately when the next big one hits. “The government will do our utmost in case of an emergency,” she said.

It was the second such advisory for the region in recent months. One was issued following a 7.5-magnitude quake in December but no mega-quake occurred.

Still, Monday’s earthquake and tsunami warning were a reminder to the quake-prone area of the March 2011 disaster that ravaged large swaths of the northern coast, triggering a nuclear crisis in Fukushima.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said two people, one in Aomori and another in Iwate, were injured after falling Monday.

The quake occurred off the coast of Sanriku at around 4:53 p.m. (0753 GMT) Monday, at a depth of about 19 kilometers (11 miles), the meteorological agency said.

Footage on NHK television showed hanging objects swaying and people squatting at a shopping center in Aomori, as authorities told people to seek higher ground and stay away from coastal areas.

Shinkansen bullet trains connecting Tokyo and northern Japan were temporarily suspended, leaving passengers in cars and on platforms waiting for service to resume.

A tsunami of about 80 centimeters (2.6 feet) was detected at the Kuji port in Iwate prefecture within an hour of the quake, and a smaller tsunami of 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) was recorded at another port in the prefecture, the meteorological agency said.

The U.S.-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later said the tsunami threat “has now passed.” Hours later, Japan also lifted all tsunami alert and advisories.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority said nuclear power plants and related facilities in the region were intact and no abnormalities were detected.

The disaster management agency said at one point, more than 180,000 people in five northern prefectures from Hokkaido to Fukushima were advised to take shelter.

It’s 15 years since a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, ravaged parts of northern Japan, causing more than 22,000 deaths and forcing nearly half a million people to flee their homes, most of them due to tsunami damage.

Kian Bateman denies murdering Shelley Davies outside a Cardiff social club

A jury trying a driver for allegedly running over and killing a woman outside a social club has watched “distressing” footage of the late-night collision.

Kian Bateman is alleged to have deliberately driven oven Shelley Davies as she lay on the road after she had became involved in a physical fight with the defendant’s brother Kai.

Miss Davies suffered multiple injuries in the incident including fractures to her vertebrae, ribs, arm and pelvis, along with internal injuries.

While in hospital the 38-year-old suffered complications, contracted multiple infections, went into septic shock, and suffered irreversible and fatal organ failure. David Bratcher, 40, who was Ms Davies’ partner, was also seriously injured in the incident but survived.

Bateman, 19, of Heol Muston, Ely, Cardiff, denies murder and is on trial at Cardiff Crown Court. For the latest court stories sign up to our crime newsletter

It is the prosecution case that at just after midnight on Saturday, September 27 last year Bateman deliberately drove his mother’s Seat Ibiza car into Ms Davies and Mr Bratcher outside the Home Guard club in the Ely area of Cardiff “intending in this moment to either kill them or at least cause them really serious harm”.

It is alleged Bateman’s motivation for driving into the couple was that moments earlier they had been involved in a physical altercation with his brother Kai in the street. The defendant is then said to have driven off from the scene before abandoning the car and going back to the home he shared with his sibling.

The jury has been shown a compilation of CCTV clips from cameras outside the Home Guard and from a newsagency on the opposite side of Heol Trelai from the club which showed the incident. The judge, Mrs Justice Tracey, warned the jury about the “distressing” nature of the footage.

The jury was also shown CCTV footage from around the club which prosecution barrister Michael Jones KC said showed the defendant inhaling nitrous oxide gas – better known as laughing gas – from a balloon on the evening of the incident.

The jury was also shown pictures of Bateman’s car after it was recovered by police which showed a golden-coloured cannister of nitrous oxide gas on the seat.

Mr Jones has previously told the jury: “The only people directly in front of his car were those he hit, the two who suffered really serious injuries and the one who later died, who were seconds earlier involved in an altercation with his brother right in front of his car.

“Immediately prior to doing that the defendant had been inhaling nitrous oxide gas, a class C drug which would have impaired his ability to drive and made him act more aggressively.

“The prosecution say it’s no coincidence that moments before the defendant drove at Shelley Davies and David Bratcher, they had been involved in a physical altercation with his own brother Kai. The prosecution say this is why he accelerated and deliberately drove his vehicle at them.”

On Monday the jury also heard details of prepared statements the defendant gave to police in interview following his arrest. In them Bateman, who was 18 at the time, denied he had been drinking or taking drugs on the night in question and said as he approached the Home Guard club he saw a large group of people in the road.

The defendant said he slowed down and stopped as people began surrounding the car. He said people were shouting and banging on the car which left him feeling frightened that he would be “beaten up” and that the car would be damaged.

He said he felt “trapped” drove off in a panic and said he did not see anyone in the road and did not intentionally hit anyone or drive over anyone.

Bateman denies murder and the trial, which is expected to last two-to-three weeks, continues.

Bournemouth have become accustomed to having major talent poached and, although Iraola insists he does not have another job lined up, he is expected to be in high demand this summer.

Before the season started, they lost three of their four first-choice defenders. Milos Kerkez joined Liverpool, Ilya Zabarnyi moved to Paris St-Germain and Dean Huijsen signed for Real Madrid, for a combined total of almost £150m.

In January, attacker Antoine Semenyo joined Manchester City after his release clause was triggered.

However, the Cherries can reflect positively on each replacement proving successful. Adrien Truffert came in for Kerkez, Bafode Diakite replaced Huijsen and Rayan was signed as Semenyo’s successor.

The club hope Rose would follow the same pattern. He had long been regarded as a potential replacement for Iraola in the event of the Spaniard deciding to leave.

Bournemouth are impressed by Rose’s five years of experience leading clubs in the Champions League, as well as his Europa League pedigree.

He has played a role in the development of several leading players, including Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund and Dominik Szoboszlai at RB Leipzig. Rose also enjoyed surprise success at Borussia Monchengladbach, qualifying for the Champions League with limited resources.

Those experiences would be key if Bournemouth are to qualify for Europe for the first time. Player trading continues to offset revenue limitations caused by the club’s relatively small stadium and commercial income.

It is also a low-risk appointment: Rose is currently without a club, meaning no compensation would be required but one they hope will make an immediate impact next season.

Forget jetting off abroad, as a popular destination in Wales is set to beat the balmy temperatures in Athens this week, while also being one of the warmest spots across the UK

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Spring is springing, and this week a popular Welsh hotspot will be hit with some balmy rays – set to be hotter than Athens!

After what felt like a lengthy and rather gloomy winter, the UK has been experiencing some sought-after warmer rays and longer days filled with sunshine. Earlier this month, we lapped up the first ‘mini heatwave’ of the year, with temperatures only set to increase as we edge further into spring.

This week, temperatures are set to rise again, with Cardiff reaching a blistering 19C on Thursday (23 April), according to the Met Office. Not only is the Welsh city expected to be one of the warmest places in the UK, but it’s also set to be hotter than the sun-soaked climate in Greece’s capital on Thursday.

READ MORE: Family ditches one-bed UK home for three-bed Greek villa and saves £300 a monthREAD MORE: Four travel companies stop trading with all holidays cancelled

Athens has long been a beloved holiday hotspot for Brits, thanks to its 300 days of annual sunshine and its status as one of the world’s oldest cities. Yet, on Thursday, temperatures are only expected to reach a mere 15C, the Met Office outlines, while Cardiff will bask in the warming rays of 19C.

Of course Cardiff is already a popular draw for tourists given it’s steeped in history and home to iconic landmarks, not to mention the ample green spaces make it one of the best places to soak up the spring rays. There’s the sprawling Bute Park near Cardiff Castle, with a riverside walk along the River Taff, as well as Roath Park with its lake, and the beautiful Parc Cefn Onn, on the outskirts of the city.

Cardiff is also incredibly walkable, thanks to its compact layout, with the warmer temperatures offering an ideal opportunity to explore the city on foot. But a trip isn’t complete without visiting Cardiff Bay, with an array of landmarks, walks, eateries and boat trips on the glistening waters, to really make the most of the sunshine.

Cardiff is also set to be hotter than Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday, with the city only predicted to reach a mere 12C on Thursday (23 April), before 15C on Friday, the Met Office reports. But Thursday isn’t the only day Cardiff can lap up the rays, as it’s predicted to hit 19C again on Friday, before a slightly cooler weekend.

For the forecast from Wednesday to Friday, the Met Office said: “Largely dry during the remainder of the week, with high pressure giving generally settled weather. Some warm sunshine, though breezy at first, and some patchy overnight frosts.” Meanwhile, Tuesday (21 April) will see temperatures of 16C, and 18C on Wednesday (22 April), before it creeps up to the welcoming 19C.

In Cardiff’s long-range forecast between 24 April and 3 May, the Met Office outlines: “High pressure is likely to be centred close to or across the UK through much of this period. So many places will be largely dry with clear or sunny periods.

“Colder air will try to push into the country from the north toward next weekend, but will probably only make limited progress into the northeast for a brief time, where it could bring a short lived showery interlude, some of these wintry. Winds will be mostly light, but briefly stronger in the northeast as that colder air tries to come south. Temperatures will probably be near normal or slightly above for many, but with a risk of colder conditions affecting the north next weekend.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Police have issued an appeal for information

A popular bar and restaurant has been forced to close after it was broken into in the early hours of Sunday.

Barcode, in Rodney Road in Newport, had to cancel all its Sunday bookings as a result of the incident. CCTV footage shared online shows three males using a large metal canister to smash two external doors.

Police confirmed they stole a number of items including alcohol.

A spokesman for Barcode posted on Facebook on Sunday: “Unfortunately, due to a break-in by three individuals early this morning, we will be closed today. CCTV footage will follow soon.

“We are currently trying to contact everyone who had a booking with us and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.

“It’s incredibly frustrating. Both doors have been smashed and we’ve lost stock that had been prepared for today along with a full day of trading.

“Sundays are incredibly important to us as a small independent business and situations like this impact far more than people might realise. Losing today’s earnings will have a real effect on us.

“All of this… for a few bottles of alcohol.

“We will be back open on Wednesday at 5pm as usual.

“Thank you for your understanding and we appreciate your support.”

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A spokesman for Gwent Police said: “We received a report of a burglary at a commercial property on Rodney Road, Newport at around 7.55am on Sunday, April 19.

“Three unknown men have allegedly broken into the property in the early hours of the morning and taken a number of items including bottles of alcohol.

“Inquiries are ongoing and if you have any information that could help please contact us via our website, 101, or direct message us on social media quoting 2600119717 .

“You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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