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Pope Leo Invokes Immigrant and Enslaved Roots in Call for U.S. to Honor Founding Ideals

From The Guardian · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Pope Leo expressed deep affection for the U.S. and its founding ideals of freedom and welcoming immigrants.
  • He reflected on his own American heritage, noting his grandparents were immigrants and his family has a history of both slavery and slave ownership.
  • The Pope reiterated his criticism of former President Trump's immigration policies, calling them "inhuman."

Pope Leo, the first U.S. pontiff, has articulated profound love for his home country and its foundational principles of liberty, opportunity, and the embrace of immigrants. Speaking in an interview with NBC News, he described his connection to the United States, emphasizing that while he "just happens to be American," his identity is primarily that of a "pastor of a universal church."

I think of myself more as the pope who happens to be American. Not to belittle what it means to be an American.

— Pope LeoThe Pope explains his identity in relation to his American nationality in an interview with NBC News.

Reflecting on his personal history, Pope Leo shared that his grandparents were immigrants. He also revealed a complex family lineage, stating, "on my mother’s side, we have people who were both slaves and slaveowners." This acknowledgment of diverse and challenging historical roots informs his perspective on the nation.

I have great love for America but 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.

— Pope LeoPope Leo discusses his dual role as an American and the head of the Catholic Church.

He reiterated his strong stance against the immigration policies enacted by Donald Trump's administration, labeling them "inhuman." This criticism aligns with his previous public statements and his advocacy for migrants. The Pope has consistently championed the cause of immigrants since his election.

So many things. In a sense, speaking about principles, 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.

— Pope LeoThe Pope describes what he loves about the United States.

Despite his criticisms, Pope Leo expressed admiration for "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 has yet to visit the White House, though he hopes to travel to the U.S. soon.

we have people who were both slaves and slaveowners

— Pope LeoPope Leo discusses his family history in the United States.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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