Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff and the first to hold Peruvian citizenship, offers an intimate look at his life, his vision for the Church, and his approach to global challenges
Newsroom (15/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a revealing two-part interview for the forthcoming biography León XIV: Ciudadano del Mundo, Misionero del Siglo XXI (Penguin Peru, Sept. 18, 2025), Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff and the first to hold Peruvian citizenship, offers an intimate look at his life, his vision for the Church, and his approach to global challenges. The book, penned by Crux Senior Correspondent Elise Ann Allen, will be available in Spanish this month, with English and Portuguese editions slated for early 2026. Below are the first excerpts from the wide-ranging conversation, conducted over two 90-minute sessions, where the pontiff reflects on his dual identity, the role of the papacy, and pressing issues like peace in Ukraine, synodality, and global polarization.
Allen: You are the first pope from the United States, yet you also carry the perspective of Latin America through your Peruvian citizenship. Which identity resonates with you more?
Pope Leo XIV: It’s a both/and for me. I’m undeniably American, and that shapes me deeply. But Peru—its people, its culture—has become part of my soul after spending half my ministerial life there. That Latin American perspective informs my appreciation for the Church’s vitality in the region, which has been a cornerstone of my connection to Pope Francis’s vision. It’s a prophetic vision for the Church, one that looks to both today and tomorrow.
Allen: Hypothetical scenario: The United States faces Peru in the World Cup. Who do you cheer for?
Pope Leo XIV: [Laughs] Probably Peru, just because of those deep affective bonds. I’m also a big Italy fan, and everyone knows I root for the White Sox. But as pope, I’m a fan of all teams! Growing up, my mother was a Cubs fan, so I learned early not to shut out the other side. Even in sports, we kept things open, dialogical, and friendly—never angry. Otherwise, dinner might not have been served!
Allen: You’re in your first few months as pope. How do you understand the role of the papacy?
Pope Leo XIV: The learning curve is steep, no question. The pastoral side feels natural—I’m moved by the response from people of all ages, and I strive to listen to everyone, no matter who they are. But stepping into the role of a world leader? That’s entirely new. I’ve had phone calls and meetings with heads of state, navigating the Holy See’s long-standing diplomatic role. I’ve always followed global affairs, but being pope thrusts you into the deep end. The most fundamental part, though, is being the successor to Peter, confirming others in faith. That’s only possible by God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. I said yes to this ministry because of my faith and my understanding of the Gospel.
Allen: You’ve been vocal about peace, particularly in Ukraine. How realistic is it for the Vatican to mediate in that conflict?
Pope Leo XIV: There’s a distinction between advocating for peace and mediating. The Holy See’s voice for peace is vital—raising the cry of Christians and people of goodwill that peace is the only path forward. The senseless loss of life in Ukraine and other conflicts demands we wake people up to alternatives. Mediation, though, is less realistic right now. We’ve offered to host negotiations, but maintaining neutrality is challenging. Some of my statements have been misinterpreted, and that’s okay. The real work is pushing all parties to say, “Enough is enough.” I hold firm hope in human nature’s capacity for good, despite bad actors and temptations. We must keep urging people toward higher values.
Allen: In your first speech from St. Peter’s balcony, you spoke of building bridges. What bridges do you aim to build—politically, socially, culturally, or ecclesiastically?
Pope Leo XIV: Dialogue is the foundation of bridge-building. In these first months, I’ve engaged with world leaders and multinational organizations. The United Nations, ideally, would tackle these issues, but it’s struggling to unite people on multilateral fronts. Bilateral dialogue is often the way forward now. We must remind ourselves of humanity’s potential to overcome violence and division. Polarization is a defining issue today, helping only a few while most suffer. Raising these questions is critical.
Allen: Polarization is indeed a buzzword, inside and outside the Church. How can it be addressed?
Pope Leo XIV: Naming the problem is a start, but we need deeper reflection on why polarization is so pervasive. The 2020 pandemic played a role, but the roots go deeper—perhaps to a loss of meaning about human life, family, and society. Add to that the growing income gap: CEOs once earned four to six times more than workers; now it’s 600 times. When wealth becomes the sole measure of value, we’re in trouble. Synodality offers an antidote—an attitude of openness and dialogue that counters division by fostering communal reflection on the Gospel.
Allen: Synodality is a complex concept for many. How would you define it?
Pope Leo XIV: Synodality is an attitude of openness, a willingness to understand. In the Church, it means every member—laity, priests, bishops—has a voice and a role through prayer, reflection, and dialogue. It’s not about undermining authority but about being a community, a “we together” Church. Some fear it threatens their power, but that misunderstands both synodality and authority. It’s a way to seek communion, where each vocation contributes to our shared path. Latin America’s experience, long predating the recent synod, has enriched the universal Church. If we build on this, there’s great hope for being Church together—not as a democracy, but as a community discerning God’s call.
These excerpts offer a glimpse into Pope Leo XIV’s vision as a global shepherd, blending his American roots and Latin American heart. The full interview will be available in León XIV: Ciudadano del Mundo, Misionero del Siglo XXI, on sale Sept. 18, 2025.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Crux Now
Related Images:
