Pope Leo Addresses Trump, Abuse Scandals, LGBTQ+, and China in First Interview

Pope Leo XIV's First Interview as the First American Pope

In his first interview as history’s first American pope, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that he has no intention of getting involved in U.S. politics but will address issues important to the Catholic Church, including immigration and social justice. The interview, conducted by Vatican correspondent Elise Ann Allen for a biography published in Peru, covered a wide range of topics, from the Trump administration to the clergy sexual abuse crisis, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and Vatican-China relations.

Embracing Inclusivity While Maintaining Doctrine

Leo expressed support for Pope Francis’ message that “todos, todos, todos” — everyone, everyone, everyone — is welcome in the Catholic Church. However, he noted that he finds it “highly unlikely” that the church’s core teachings on sexuality will change soon. The Catholic Church teaches that homosexual individuals must be treated with dignity and respect, but that homosexual activity is considered “intrinsically disordered.” The church opposes same-sex marriage, maintaining that it is a union between a man and a woman.

“I think we have to change attitudes before we even think about changing what the church says about any given question,” he said. This sentiment was echoed during a recent Holy Year pilgrimage hosted by the Vatican, which included several LGBTQ+ Catholic groups. However, traditionalist Catholic groups have since launched a petition urging Leo to reaffirm the church’s teachings on sexuality.

Vatican-China Relations and Bishop Nominations

Leo stated that he does not foresee any short-term changes to the 2018 agreement between the Vatican and Beijing regarding bishop nominations. The deal, under Pope Francis, aimed to unify China’s estimated 12 million Catholics, who are divided between an official state-sanctioned church and an underground church loyal to Rome. The Vatican defended the agreement against criticism, arguing that it was necessary to prevent further schism after China named bishops without papal approval.

“I in no way pretend to be wiser or more experienced than all those who have come before me,” Leo said, adding that he is studying the issue and speaking with Chinese people “on both sides” about it.

Addressing the Sex Abuse Crisis

The sex abuse crisis remains a significant challenge for the Catholic Church, and Leo acknowledged it as “a real crisis” that has not yet been fully resolved. He emphasized the need to help victims heal while also respecting the rights of priests. “Statistics show that well over 90% of people who come forward and make accusations, they are authentically victims. They are telling the truth. They are not making this up,” he said. However, he also noted that there have been cases of false accusations that have led to the destruction of some priests’ lives.

Leo made it clear that the scandal should not become the central focus of the church. He highlighted his role in helping victims of an abusive Peruvian group find justice, though he has faced criticism from a U.S. victim advocacy group for not doing enough for other Peruvian victims.

Immigration and U.S. Politics

Leo recognized the influence of the United States on global affairs and mentioned migration as a key issue for the Catholic Church. He recalled a letter from Pope Francis to U.S. bishops rebuking the Trump administration’s plans for mass deportations of migrants. The letter directly addressed Vice President JD Vance’s defense of the deportation program on theological grounds.

Leo praised Francis’ initiative and commended U.S. bishops for showing “courage” in confronting the administration. He expressed hope that they would continue to lead on such issues. “One of the last conversations I had with the vice president of the United States... I talked about human dignity and how important that is for all people, wherever you're born,” he said.

Political Stance and Women in Leadership

Leo made it clear that he is not a supporter of former President Donald Trump, noting that he and his brother Luis Prevost, a self-described “MAGA-type” who has met the president, are in “different places.” He acknowledged the U.S.’s global influence but stressed the importance of balancing economic decisions with human dignity.

Regarding women in leadership, Leo vowed to continue appointing women to key positions within the church. However, he dismissed hopes of ordaining women as deacons or priests, citing an ongoing study by the Vatican’s doctrine office. “I at the moment don’t have an intention of changing the teaching of the church on the topic,” he said, adding that he is open to listening to others.

Financial Challenges and the Vatican’s Future

Leo inherited a financial crisis at the Vatican, marked by a structural deficit of 50 to 60 million euros and a pension fund shortfall of 1 billion euros. The pandemic worsened the situation when the Vatican Museums, a major revenue source, closed down. However, Leo noted that things are improving and that the crisis is not as severe as many believe.

“I’m not saying we can relax,” he said. “I don’t think the crisis is over, I think we have to continue to work on this, but I’m not losing sleep over it, and I think that it’s important that we communicate a different message.”