Pope Leo, who became the first pontiff from the United States, has clarified his relationship with his home country in recent comments, stating he prioritizes his role as head of the universal church while maintaining affection for American values.
During an interview with NBC at a papal retreat near Rome, Leo discussed his personal connection to the US through family history. He noted that his grandparents immigrated to America and referenced his mother’s family background that included both enslaved persons and enslavers. When discussing the importance of his American identity, Leo characterized himself as primarily a pontiff who “happens to be American” rather than identifying first and foremost with his national origin.
Regarding what he values about the United States, Leo cited principles he associates with the nation, including freedom, economic opportunity, and generations of immigration. He described these as ideals that shaped his upbringing and continue to influence his perspective. The pontiff, age 70, spent approximately two decades as a missionary in Peru before his election to the papacy.
Since taking office as pope, Leo has made immigration a significant focus of his messaging. He has publicly criticized the immigration policies of the current US administration, characterizing them as “inhuman.” His tensions with the administration extended further following his statements regarding military conflict in the Middle East. In remarks timed to the nation’s foundational anniversary, Leo praised America’s historical openness to migrants while calling on Americans to uphold the principles enshrined in their founding documents.
The pontiff has not yet accepted an invitation to visit the White House, though he indicated openness to traveling to the United States in the future. No such visit has been scheduled to date.
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