ESL WORKSHEET - Controversial issues

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

TRUMP AND POPE LEO IN PUBLIC DISPUTE

LinguaHouse

Apr. 15, 2026

Level: Upper-intermediate
Type of language: General English
Tags: Breaking News; Controversial Issues; Beliefs, Religion and Superstition; Ethics and Conduct; Society and Change; War and Peace; Relationships; Politics; AI Technology; Vocabulary Lesson; Video; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 04/15/2026

This balanced lesson examines public reactions to the recent disagreement between the US President Donald Trump and Pope Leo. Students begin with listening comprehension, move to reading four contrasting opinions, complete critical-thinking tasks, and finish with extended speaking practice. (by Celia Page)

Note: This lesson is designed solely for language practice and critical thinking. Linguahouse remains strictly neutral and does not endorse or oppose any religious, political, or personal viewpoint. All content is based on publicly available reports and is used for educational purposes only.

• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/watch the video (MP4).

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Woman 1: I stand with the Pope. I mean, the Pope speaks the Gospel. He speaks for peace.
Man 1: It’s terrible. It’s gross. It’s blasphemous. It’s his usual.
Newsreader: U.S. President Donald Trump was met with criticism from the public and world leaders on Monday after his weekend feud with Pope Leo. The two had clashed over crime, policing, and the U.S. war with Iran. On Monday, Trump doubled down, saying he wouldn’t apologize and called the Catholic leader wrong on issues of law and order.
Donald Trump: We believe strongly in law and order, and he seemed to have a problem with that, so there’s nothing to apologize for. He’s wrong.
Newsreader: Alongside the feud, Trump also posted an AI-generated image of himself as a Jesus-like figure on Sunday, drawing widespread criticism, even from some religious conservatives who typically support him, before deleting the post on Monday.
Man 2: I don’t think he cares who he goes up against, and I just... I don’t know. We gotta do better.
Man 3: That was bad. Really bad.
Woman 2: I will pray for him. That’s all I can say.
Newsreader: Speaking to reporters Monday, Trump said he thought the image portrayed him as a doctor.
Donald Trump: I did it first, and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do with the Red Cross as a Red Cross worker there, which we support. And only the fake news could come up with that one. So I had just heard about it, and I said, “How did they come up with that?” It’s supposed to be me, as a doctor, making people better. And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.
Newsreader: Shortly before publishing the image, the President posted a lengthy screed against Pope Leo, calling him weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy. In recent weeks, Leo has become one of the most prominent critics of the war in Iran, even making an unusual direct appeal to Trump and urging him to find an off-ramp. Leo responded to Trump’s social media post, saying that he would continue to speak out. In a forceful speech on Monday in Algiers, he denounced neo-colonial world powers who are violating international law. He did not specifically refer to the United States.
Pope Leo: By respecting the dignity of everyone and allowing yourselves to be moved by the pain of others, instead of multiplying misunderstandings and conflicts, you can surely become protagonists of a new chapter in history. Today, this is more urgent than ever in the face of continuous violations of international law and neo-colonial tendencies.
Newsreader: Trump also feuded at times with Leo’s predecessor, Francis, who publicly opposed Trump’s deportation campaign as un-Christian. Last year, after Francis’ death, Trump posted an image showing himself as pope, prompting outrage from many Catholics.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/trump-and-pope-leo-in-public-dispute. Accessed on April 24, 2026. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2026. All rights reserved.