Pope Condemns Global "Tyrants" as U.S. Iran Tensions Escalate

Pope Francis has denounced world leaders who act as "tyrants," saying the planet is "being ravaged" by them. He made the unusually forceful remarks during a visit to Cameroon. The comments follow a recent attack on former U.S. President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, House Democrats have filed articles of impeachment against Trump's Defense Secretary. At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth intensified warnings to Iran. He stated the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports is the "polite way this can go." Hegseth dismissed Iran's control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. He said Iran lacks "a navy or real domain awareness," referring to the ability to monitor maritime territory. The combined events highlight growing global political and military tensions.