Pope Leo XIV Confronts Billionaires, Polarization, and War in First Interview

Pope Leo XIV's Vision for a Unified and Compassionate World

In his first major interview since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV has shared his thoughts on pressing global issues such as income inequality, societal polarization, and the urgent need for peace. His reflections offer a glimpse into his priorities and the values that will guide his leadership.

Leo emphasized the importance of unity in overcoming the divisions that seem to be growing stronger in both society and the church. "We have to continue to remind ourselves of the potential that humanity has to overcome the violence and the hatred that is just dividing us more and more," he said. He acknowledged that polarization is a common theme in today's world, but warned that it does not serve the majority of people. Instead, it creates further suffering and division.

The interview, which was conducted over two sessions and published by the Catholic news site Crux on the occasion of his 70th birthday, provides insight into Leo’s personality and approach to leadership. He expressed a commitment to continuing the vision of his predecessor, Pope Francis, particularly in terms of dialogue and the concept of synodality. This approach emphasizes collaboration and the inclusion of all members of the church, regardless of their role or position.

Addressing Income Inequality and Social Division

One of the key issues Leo highlighted was the growing gap between the incomes of the working class and the wealthy. He criticized the extreme wealth of billionaires and the disproportionate pay of CEOs compared to their employees. "If that is the only thing that has value anymore, then we're in big trouble," he said. This concern reflects a broader call for economic justice and a reevaluation of what society considers valuable.

Leo also pointed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a perceived loss of the value of human life as contributing factors to sectarianism and division. He believes that these challenges require a collective effort to address and heal.

Synodality as an Antidote to Division

Synodality, a concept rooted in the Latin American church, is central to Leo’s vision for the Catholic Church. He described it as an "attitude, an openness, a willingness to understand." According to him, synodality allows every member of the church—whether a bishop, priest, missionary, lay person, or family member—to contribute based on their unique vocation.

However, he noted that some church leaders may feel threatened by this approach due to a misunderstanding of authority. Leo clarified that synodality is not equivalent to democracy, which he acknowledged has its own limitations in many parts of the world.

A Call for Peace and Dialogue

Leo also spoke about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the importance of peace. While he praised the Holy See’s efforts to act as a mediator, he admitted that the likelihood of the Vatican hosting peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is low. He urged various actors to push for a resolution and expressed hope that humanity can find a way to resolve differences without resorting to war.

He also commented on the United Nations’ declining ability to foster multilateral cooperation. For Leo, the key to building bridges lies in dialogue, not in political power or influence.

Personal Reflections and Future Goals

In a more personal segment of the interview, Leo reflected on the challenges of his new role. "There's still a huge learning curve ahead of me," he admitted. He noted that one of the most significant changes is being recognized as a world leader. Despite this, he emphasized that his primary role is to "confirm others in their faith."

When asked about his identity, Leo responded that he feels connected to both the United States, where he was born, and Peru, where he spent much of his life as a priest and missionary. He credited his experiences in Latin America with helping him understand Pope Francis’s vision for the church.

Leo also revealed his love for baseball, mentioning that while he is a fan of the Chicago White Sox, he supports all teams as pope. However, he joked that he would likely root for Peru when the country faces the United States in the World Cup.

A New Chapter in Leadership

The full interview will be featured in Elise Ann Allen’s biography of the pope, titled Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the XXI Century. The book will be published in Spanish on September 18 and will be available in Portuguese and English in early 2026.