Pope Leo, who became the first American-born pontiff after his election last May, has clarified his relationship with the United States in recent comments to NBC. During an interview conducted at the papal retreat near Rome, he expressed affection for his country while emphasizing that his primary identity centers on his ecclesiastical role rather than his national origin.
The pontiff reflected on his personal connection to America through his family history, noting that his paternal grandparents were immigrants and his maternal lineage includes individuals who experienced both slavery and slave ownership. When discussing what he values about the US, Leo identified principles including freedom, opportunity, and the nation’s historical openness to people from around the world seeking to build new lives.
Despite his stated appreciation for American values, Leo stressed that his mission as head of the global Catholic Church takes precedence in shaping his identity and public role. He articulated that being pope—with responsibilities to Catholics and broader audiences worldwide—represents his primary calling, even as he maintains the principles associated with his American upbringing.
Leo’s comments come amid ongoing tensions between his position and the Trump administration, particularly regarding immigration policy and international affairs. The pontiff has previously characterized certain immigration approaches as “inhuman” and issued strong criticism of US-Israeli military actions. He marked Independence Day with a visit to Lampedusa, an Italian island where migrants and refugees regularly arrive from across the Mediterranean.
Regarding potential future engagement with the US government, Leo indicated that while no White House visit is currently scheduled, he remains open to visiting the United States soon. This stance follows an invitation extended by Vice President JD Vance during a Vatican meeting held the day after Leo’s inaugural papal mass.
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