When Elise Ann Allen sat down with Pope Leo XIV for his first major interview since the conclave, she encountered a man who is still adjusting to the realities of the papacy but deeply clear about his mission. The interview, published in Allen’s new biography Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the 21st Century, offered a window into the Holy Father’s pastoral heart and his growing role on the world stage.
“I appreciate everyone, whoever they are, what they come with, and I listen to them,” Pope Leo explained, emphasizing that he sees himself first as pastor before politician, according to Vatican News. Far from overwhelmed, he described himself as challenged but steady, aware that the Pope today must also serve as a voice in global diplomacy.
Gaza and the Danger of Growing Numb
One of the most urgent topics was the war in Gaza, a crisis Pope Leo has already spoken about multiple times since his election. He expressed sorrow over the lack of effective action to help civilians. “There has not been a clear response in terms of finding effective ways to alleviate the suffering of the people, the innocent people in Gaza, and that is obviously of great concern,” he said.
What troubles him most is the temptation to become desensitized: “Human beings, and especially Christians, must not grow numb and must not ignore the situation… somehow, we have to continue to push, to try and make a change here.”
Though the word “genocide” has entered public debate, Pope Leo cautioned that the Holy See cannot make a declaration yet, underscoring the technical nature of the term while acknowledging that human rights groups in Israel have already used it.
An American Pope Navigating Politics
As the first American pontiff, Pope Leo is keenly aware of how his background shapes perception. “The fact that I am American means… people cannot say, as they did with Francis, ‘he does not understand the United States,’” he reflected.
Yet he quickly distanced himself from partisanship: “I don’t plan to get involved in partisan politics.” Instead, he urged bishops in the U.S. to engage President Trump directly and to lead with courage on issues of justice and human dignity. He views his role as supportive but not domineering, leaving national leadership to the local hierarchy.
Walking the Line on Abuse, Doctrine, and Inclusion
The conversation turned to painful wounds in the Church. On the clerical abuse crisis, Pope Leo called it a “real crisis” and insisted that victims must be treated with respect. He noted that “over 90% of people who come forward and make accusations” are authentic, but he also urged that the presumption of innocence be maintained for priests falsely accused.
At the same time, he warned against allowing the crisis to consume the Church’s entire mission: “We can’t make the whole Church focus exclusively on this issue, because that would not be an authentic response to what the world is looking for.”
On the question of LGBTQ+ Catholics, Pope Leo struck a note of welcome without altering doctrine. “Everyone’s invited in,” he said. “I invite a person in because they are a son or daughter of God.” Citing Fiducia supplicans, he reminded the faithful that the Church can bless individuals but not create rituals that contradict Catholic teaching.
Likewise, he made clear that the ordination of women is not on his agenda. Still, he hopes to expand opportunities for women in positions of leadership within the Vatican and the wider Church.
Finances, Reform, and the Digital Future
The Holy Father also spoke frankly about Vatican finances, praising reforms but stressing that the crisis is not over. He pointed to past scandals, like the failed London real estate deal, as reminders of the need for vigilance. “How many millions were lost because of that!” he exclaimed.
Looking ahead, he expressed concern about the dangers of technology, particularly artificial intelligence. “If the Church doesn’t speak up… the danger is that the digital world will go on its own way and we will become pawns, or left by the wayside,” he said. On the idea of an “artificial Pope” avatar, his answer was firm: “If there’s anybody who should not be represented by an avatar, I would say the Pope is high on the list.”
A Pope of Bridges, Not Battle Lines
What emerges from this first interview is the portrait of a pastor unwilling to fuel division. Whether speaking of the liturgy, geopolitics, or cultural debates, Pope Leo consistently returned to the same theme: the need to resist polarization. His instinct is not to take sides for the sake of winning an argument, but to keep the Church’s doors open to encounter, dialogue, and mission.
“Somehow, we have to continue to push, to try and make a change here,” he said of Gaza. The same words could summarize his vision for the Church itself — a Church that listens, respects, and seeks to transform the world without becoming captive to its conflicts (according to Vatican News).
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