Pope Leo, the first pontiff from the United States, has clarified his identity and relationship with his home country during a recent interview. Speaking at a papal retreat near Rome, he characterized himself primarily as the head of a global church who is American by nationality, rather than leading with his American identity. He expressed deep affection for the US and its foundational values, including freedom, opportunity, and the historical welcoming of immigrants from around the world.
The pontiff drew on his family background to illustrate his connection to American identity and history. He noted that his grandparents were immigrants and that his mother’s side of the family includes both people who were enslaved and those who enslaved others, reflecting the complex nature of the American experience.
Since his election to the papacy in May of the previous year, Leo has been vocal about migration issues and has taken critical stances toward certain government policies. He has condemned immigration policies under the current US administration as inhumane and has also strongly criticized the US-Israeli military actions involving Iran. These positions have created tension between the Vatican and the Trump administration.
Leo marked the Fourth of July by visiting Lampedusa, an Italian island that serves as a major entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa. In remarks timed to the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, he called on Americans to uphold the ideals articulated in that founding document, particularly regarding the welcome extended to migrants.
The pontiff has not yet accepted an invitation to visit the White House, though Vice President JD Vance extended the offer during a Vatican meeting. Leo indicated to NBC that while no visit is currently scheduled, he hopes to travel to the US in the near future.
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