Pope Leo XIV loves U.S. but sees himself as pope first, American second

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, expressed a profound love for the United States and its ideals but emphasized his role as a global pastor above his nationality. "I consider myself more as the pope who happens to be American. It is not to diminish what it means to be American," he stated in an interview with NBC.

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I consider myself more as the pope who happens to be American. It is not to diminish what it means to be American.

Born in Chicago, Leo XIV sees his mission as serving a universal church, giving him a voice to reach people across the globe. He noted his own family history, with maternal ancestors who were enslaved and enslavers, and spoke of his nearly two decades as a missionary in Peru, where he also adopted Peruvian nationality.

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I feel a great love for the United States but I understand that my mission has a very important dimension, which is to be a pastor of a universal church and to have a voice and an opportunity to speak to people all over the world.

He articulated his admiration for the U.S. for its principles of freedom and opportunity, and its historical role in welcoming immigrants. "So many things," he said when asked what he loves about America. His stance aligns with his predecessor, Francis, in advocating for migrants and condemning their treatment under the Trump administration.

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So many things.

Despite his affection for his home country, Pope Leo XIV currently has no plans to visit the United States but hopes to do so soon. The interview took place during a prayer and music event at Castel Gandolfo, featuring Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, as part of celebrations for the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi's death.

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In a way, if we talk about principles, what the United States represents, the sense of freedom, the sense of opportunity, the sense of having welcomed people from all over the world for generations to be part of it.