Pope Leo XIV’s refined World Cup message to Trump after US ‘rejected’ referee
Pope Leo XIV posted on social media platform, X to remind people of kindness and compassion ahead of the World Cup after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US
Pope Leo shared a message ahead of the World Cup(Image: Getty)
Pope Leo XIV has issued a subtle message to Donald Trump ahead of the World Cup. It comes after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States because of his “association with suspected members of terror organisations”, according to a US official.
The 34-year-old – Africa’s referee of the year in 2025 – was set to be the first Somali to referee at a World Cup finals but was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single entry US visa, the BBC reports.
Somalia is one of 12 several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump. In a post on X, Pope Leo XIV wrote: “The World Cup begins tomorrow, and many will watch the matches. Soccer reminds us of something we must not forget: life is not a race to show off on our own, but a path we learn to walk together.
“Anyone who does not know how to pass the ball, even if they have talent, has not yet understood the game. Anyone who does not know how to live with and for others has not yet understood life. #ApostolicJourney.”
He added: “In addition to being kind and gentle, Christians must be compassionate, love selflessly, and seek the good of others, knowing that in every brother and sister who suffers it is the Lord Himself who asks and receives, who is welcomed or rejected, loved, or despised.”
A Trump administration source said: “This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by CBP [Custom and Border Protection], derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
“The traveller was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under 8235 of the INA.
“President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country – full stop.”
Artan told the New York Times, external on Tuesday that he was questioned by border officials over his links to Somali militant group Al Shabab and had told them he knew nothing about the group.
Upon landing at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, he was greeted by government officials and representatives of the Somali Football Federation, as well as fellow referees and local residents, before meeting president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the Presidential Palace.
He is expected to attend a public event at Mogadishu Stadium later on Wednesday afternoon and watch a match between Heegan and Dekadaha.
Artan made a brief statement to the media at the airport, in which he spoke of his determination to officiate at the 2030 World Cup, but did not take questions from journalists.
“I’d like to thank the officials, ministers, MPs and everyone. I want to thank my country and people for their support. The encouragement I received here, I know I’ll get more support outside [the airport],” Artan said in words which have been translated into English by the BBC.
“Everything is pre-destined. Fifa supported me well and were in touch with me until I reached Mogadishu.
“I promise you that I’ll be officiating you in the next World Cup. Somalia, everywhere, I’m letting you know.”
