- 15 September, 2025
Vatican City, September 14, 2025 – Excerpts from Pope Leo XIV’s first major interview since his election have been released ahead of the publication of Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the 21st Century, a biography by journalist Elise Ann Allen. The book, set to be published in Spanish on 18 September by Penguin Perú, will also appear in English and Portuguese editions.
The interview, published in Crux and El Comercio, sheds light on Pope Leo’s vision for peace, dialogue, and synodality, while offering glimpses into his personal identity and passions.
Between the United States and Peru
Reflecting on his roots, the Pope acknowledged his dual identity: “I'm obviously an American … but I also love Peru very much. Half of my ministerial life was spent there, so the Latin American perspective is very valuable to me.”
Learning the papal role
Since assuming the Chair of Peter on 8 May 2025, Pope Leo admitted there is “a huge learning curve ahead.” While he finds the pastoral dimension natural, he said the most demanding aspect is being “thrown onto the level of world leader” and navigating the Holy See’s global diplomatic role. “I’m learning a lot and feeling very challenged, but not overwhelmed,” he added.
Peace as the only answer
Asked about the war in Ukraine, the Pope reiterated that “peace is the only answer” to years of “useless killing.” He stressed the Holy See’s commitment to neutrality and its readiness to mediate, while urging global actors to press warring parties to declare, “Enough is enough.” Despite acknowledging “bad actors” and global tensions, he insisted: “We cannot give up hope, ever.”
Dialogue against division
The Pope lamented growing polarisation and the weakening role of multilateral institutions. “The United Nations … has lost its ability to bring people together,” he observed. He urged humanity to recover fundamental values—life, family, and social cohesion—warning against economic extremes, citing statistics that CEOs today earn “6,600 times more than average workers.” Referring to reports that Elon Musk may become the first trillionaire, he cautioned: “If that is the only thing that has value anymore, then we’re in big trouble.”
Synodality as the way forward
Pope Leo devoted significant attention to synodality, which he defined as giving every member of the Church “a voice and a role to play through prayer, reflection … through a process.” He rejected fears that it diminishes authority, saying instead it fosters “our church” rooted in communion rather than hierarchy. “We have to do this together,” he said, stressing that synodality can offer lessons to the wider world.
A lighter note: football loyalties
On the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Pope admitted his loyalties may tilt towards Peru “because of affective bonds,” though he remains fond of Italy. Known for his support of the Chicago White Sox, he added with a smile: “As pope, I’m a fan of all the teams.”
Courtesy: Vatican News
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