In his first wide-ranging interview since ascending to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, made clear that while he has no intention of becoming a political figure, he also won’t be silent when human dignity is at stake.
The interview, published Thursday by Crux and conducted by Vatican journalist Elise Ann Allen, accompanies a new biography released in Peru, where Leo spent years as a bishop. The conversation touched on some of the most sensitive and pressing issues facing the Church and the world — from LGBTQ+ inclusion and immigration to sex abuse scandals and Vatican finances.
A Welcoming Tone, With Limits
Pope Leo reaffirmed Pope Francis' now-iconic message — “todos, todos, todos” — that everyone is welcome in the Church. But he offered a nuanced reflection on doctrine and identity.
“Everyone’s invited in, but I don’t invite a person in because they are or are not of any specific identity. I invite a person in because they are a son or daughter of God,” he said.
While expressing openness, Leo was frank that Church teachings on sexuality are unlikely to change soon, emphasizing that hearts and attitudes must shift before doctrines do.
Immigration and the U.S. Political Divide
Although he avoided direct criticism of political figures, Pope Leo was clear in distancing himself from Trump-era immigration policies and praised the U.S. bishops for opposing mass deportation efforts. He cited a recent letter from Pope Francis rebuking such policies and said he had discussed human dignity directly with Vice President JD Vance.
“Sometimes decisions are made more based on economics than on human dignity... We must continue to challenge that,” Leo said.
He also revealed personal differences with his own brother, Luis Prevost, a self-identified “MAGA-type” who has met with the U.S. president. “We are in different places,” Leo stated plainly.
Confronting Clergy Abuse — With Balance
Acknowledging the ongoing wounds of the clergy sexual abuse crisis, Pope Leo stated bluntly: “It is a real crisis.”
He emphasized justice for victims but also insisted on the importance of due process for accused priests.
“Well over 90% of people who come forward... are telling the truth,” he said. “But there have also been false accusations.”
Leo’s own record is mixed — he played a key role in helping victims of an abusive religious group in Peru, but some U.S. victim advocacy groups have criticized him for not doing more in other cases.
China, Women, and Church Reform
On Vatican-China relations, Leo signaled continuity with Pope Francis’ 2018 agreement with Beijing regarding bishop appointments, but said he is actively listening to Catholics “on both sides” of the divide.
Regarding women’s roles, Leo pledged to continue appointing women to Church leadership, but did not support female ordination — at least not yet.
“I don’t have an intention of changing the teaching... but I am willing to listen.”
Facing Financial Strains With Calm Pope Leo inherits a financially burdened Vatican, dealing with a €1 billion pension shortfall and shrinking donations. But he downplayed fears of collapse.
“It is not the crisis that people have been led to believe... I’m not losing sleep over it.”
A New Kind of Pope for a Complex Time Pope Leo XIV's tone is measured, his priorities clear: compassion without compromise, dialogue without doctrine change — at least not yet.
He appears poised to lead not with sweeping declarations, but with pastoral sensitivity, emphasizing the human in all things — from economic policy to sexual identity.
As the Church moves forward under his leadership, the message is unmistakable: the path to renewal begins not in the halls of politics, but in the quiet, persistent call to recognize every soul's inherent dignity.