Vatican City: In an unprecedented and deeply personal interview with journalist Elise Ann Allen, excerpts of which have been published ahead of her forthcoming biography “Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the 21st Century”, Pope Leo XIV shared his reflections on peace, synodality, and humanity’s moral challenges in the 21st century. The interview, conducted partly at Castel Gandolfo and partly at the Palazzo del Sant’Uffizio, offers a rare glimpse into the mind of the Pope, highlighting his vision of dialogue, fraternity, and hope in a fractured world.
Pope Leo XIV, who celebrates his 70th birthday on September 14, emphasized the urgent need to overcome hatred and violence, describing peace as “the only answer” to conflicts and “pointless killings” that scar societies globally. Responding to questions about international conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, he stressed that the Holy See has consistently maintained a neutral stance while seeking to mediate peace. “The useless killing after these years of people on both sides…people have to somehow be wakened up to say, there’s another way to do this,” he said. The Pope highlighted the role of global actors in compelling warring parties to seek dialogue and reconciliation, asserting that hope must never be abandoned even in the face of “bad actors” or temptation.
A recurring theme of the conversation was dialogue and synodality. Pope Leo XIV explained that synodality empowers every member of the Church to participate in prayer, reflection, and communal decision-making. “Some people have felt threatened…thinking synodality would take away authority,” he said. He emphasized, however, that synodality is about community and communion, fostering a “we together” mindset that can serve as a model for society at large. For the Pope, this approach reflects how the Church can engage with the wider world, addressing polarization, social inequities, and moral decline.
On matters of social justice, Pope Leo XIV did not shy away from critiquing contemporary economic disparities. He noted the widening gap between working-class wages and the wealth of the global elite, citing the example of corporate executives whose earnings now exceed those of workers by thousands of times compared to six decades ago. Referencing Elon Musk’s projected rise as the world’s first trillionaire, the Pope questioned a society that measures success solely in material accumulation, warning that such priorities threaten the values of family, life, and human dignity.
The Pope also reflected on his bi-cultural roots, sharing that he feels deeply connected to both the United States, his homeland, and Peru, where he spent half of his ministerial life. “The Latin American perspective is very valuable to me,” he said, underscoring how his experiences in Peru inform his understanding of global human challenges.
Amid weighty reflections on peace and justice, the interview revealed lighter, personal notes. When asked whom he would support in the 2026 FIFA World Cup between the United States and Peru, Pope Leo XIV smiled: “Probably Peru, just because of affective bonds…I'm also a big fan of Italy.” He added with characteristic humor that, as a White Sox fan, he remains a lover of sport in all its forms but will cheer for all teams in his papal capacity.
Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the immense responsibility of his office, noting that while pastoral duties have been familiar, the role of the Pope as a world leader is still a learning curve. “It’s very public…people know the phone conversations or meetings I’ve had with heads of state,” he said, describing the challenges of balancing spiritual leadership with diplomatic engagement on issues of global significance.
In sum, the interview presents a portrait of a Pope committed to human fraternity, dialogue, and moral clarity, emphasizing that hope, communal engagement, and recognition of shared values are essential to addressing the crises of our time. From conflict mediation to synodality, economic justice, and even sport, Pope Leo XIV’s reflections convey a vision of leadership that is both personal and universal, rooted in compassion and the enduring quest for peace.