POPE Leo XIV has praised the United States’ long tradition of welcoming immigrants, describing it as one of the country’s greatest strengths, in remarks that stand in sharp contrast to President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies.
Speaking in an interview with American broadcaster NBC, the first US-born pontiff also reaffirmed his love for America, celebrated its ideals of freedom and opportunity, and expressed hope that he would visit his homeland within the next couple of years.
The Pope made the remarks on Wednesday evening following a prayer service for peace at Castel Gandolfo. The event featured renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and children from around the world.
Reflecting on his historic election as the first Pope born in the United States, Pope Leo said he considers himself “the Pope who happens to be American” rather than “the American Pope,” emphasising that his primary mission is to serve the universal Church.
“I was born in the United States. My family is still in the United States. I have great love for America,” he said.
The Pontiff explained that while his American roots are significant, his responsibility extends beyond national identity.
“I understand my mission as having a very important dimension, which is precisely being pastor of a universal Church and having a voice and an opportunity to speak to people throughout the world,” he said.
Nevertheless, Pope Leo acknowledged the historic importance of becoming the first American to lead the Catholic Church, describing it as a moment of “great significance” for both himself and the people of the United States.
Asked what he appreciates most about America, the Pope highlighted the country’s defining ideals of freedom, opportunity and openness to immigrants.
“What America stands for, the sense of freedom, the sense of opportunity, the sense of having invited, for generations, people from around the world to be part of America,” he said.
Drawing on his own family history, Pope Leo noted that his grandparents immigrated to the United States. He also reflected on his maternal ancestry, saying it includes both enslaved people and slave owners.
He described America’s complex history as one of growth and learning, saying those experiences have helped shape what he regards as one of the nation’s greatest strengths.
“I continue to hold the principles that have been a part of being American for so many years,” he said, expressing confidence that those values would endure.
The Pope also fuelled speculation about a possible papal visit to the United States after revealing that discussions are already underway about his future travel schedule.
“They will see me there. By coincidence, today we were looking at the calendar for the next couple of years,” he said. “Nothing is set in stone yet, but I certainly hope to be there soon.”
In a separate interview conducted in Spanish with Telemundo, Pope Leo reflected on the prayer gathering, describing the sight of children from different countries singing together as a powerful symbol of hope and unity.
He said the event demonstrated the beauty that emerges when people move beyond their differences and recognise their shared humanity.
“That beauty, I believe, was an invitation to all of us to look beyond and see the beauty that can be created – or in which we can participate – when we set aside some of our differences and recognize the richness of being human, of all having been created in the image of God,” he said.
The Pontiff also recalled the children’s prayers for peace and their heartfelt questions about why war and hatred persist.
Calling for renewed commitment to fraternity, Pope Leo urged people to rediscover the values that unite humanity.
“We need to rediscover the values and the treasure found in being human, in all being brothers and sisters,” he said. “We must recognize that we can all truly participate in a society that loves peace, seeks peace, and accepts one another despite our differences.”
He added that collective efforts towards peace could overcome many of the conflicts and divisions that fuel hatred.
Concluding the interview, Pope Leo delivered a message of encouragement to migrants, urging them to remain hopeful while respecting the rule of law.
“Have hope. Certainly, seek ways to live in an orderly manner,” he said, while acknowledging that societies must also address wrongdoing and criminal behaviour responsibly.
“We must therefore learn to live in peace, but we must also have the courage and the hope that always help us all,” the Pope said.
