Pope Leo lamented on Friday the frictions roiling relations between the United States and Canada, in a likely reference to U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to cut off U.S.-Canada trade talks.

"Canada and the United States ... as we are sitting here, are experiencing great difficulties," Leo, the first U.S. pope, told a meeting at the Vatican.

"Two countries that were once considered the closest allies at times have become separated from one another," he said.

It is unusual for the leader of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church to comment on matters of international trade, or on politics in any individual country. WATCH | Pope speaks about Canada and the U.S.:

Pope references Canada and U.S. as example of allies becoming 'separate' from one another 1 hour ago | Duration

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