Pope Leo XIV breaks silence,talks from Trump to China ties

In his first major interview as p ope, Pope Leo XIV spoke candidly on politics, church scandals, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, Vatican-China relations, women’s roles, and finances.

The first American pontiff distanced himself from Donald Trump, stressing he won’t engage in partisan politics but will speak out on issues central to the Church, especially migration and human dignity. He praised U.S. bishops for confronting the Trump administration’s deportation plans, calling their stance “courageous.”

On LGBTQIA+ Catholics, Pope Leo reaffirmed church teaching on marriage but urged Catholics to shift attitudes first: “Everyone is a son or daughter of God.”

He admitted the sex abuse crisis remains unresolved, describing it as a “real crisis.” While affirming most victims’ testimony is truthful, he also warned against ignoring false accusations that can destroy priests’ lives.

Turning to foreign policy, Pope Leo said the Vatican’s 2018 agreement with Beijing on bishop appointments would remain in place for now, though he is reviewing it. He also demanded an end to the “collective punishment” and displacement of Palestinians in Gaza.

Financially, he acknowledged the Vatican’s structural deficit and pension shortfall but insisted the crisis is “not as dire as believed.” On women’s roles, he vowed to continue appointing women to senior positions but ruled out priestly ordination.

Overall, Pope Leo signaled continuity with past popes but underscored a pastoral approach: dignity, justice, and cautious reform.