- 15 September, 2025
Vatican City, September 15, 2025 – Pope Leo XIV has spoken out against the growing gulf between ordinary workers and the super-rich, warning of the dangers of unchecked wealth as tech magnate Elon Musk edges towards becoming the world’s first trillionaire.
In his first formal interview since becoming pope, Leo also condemned the war in Ukraine, acknowledged the “huge learning curve” of his new role as a world leader, and described synodality as an antidote to polarisation within the Church and society. Excerpts were published by Catholic news site Crux on the pontiff’s 70th birthday.
“We live in times when polarisation seems to be one of the words of the day, but it’s not helping anybody,” he told journalist Elise Ann Allen, who is writing his biography.
Citing his namesake, Pope Leo XIII – considered the father of Catholic social teaching – the new pope highlighted the widening gap between the income of workers and corporate executives. Referring to Musk’s projected trillionaire status, he asked: “What does that mean and what’s that about? If that is the only thing that has value anymore, then we’re in big trouble.”
The pontiff linked polarisation to a decline in shared values and human dignity, pointing to weakening family and social structures. “If we lose the sense of those values, what matters anymore?” he asked.
Leo said synodality – a process of active listening across all levels of the Church – offers a response to division. He defined it as “an attitude, an openness, a willingness to understand”, while rejecting fears that it undermines authority. “That’s not what synodality is about … our focus is on ‘we together’, ‘our Church’.”
Though synodality sparked controversy under Pope Francis, Leo has long championed it, introducing the process in his diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2022. He later joined the Vatican’s synodal assembly as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
Appearing relaxed in video excerpts, the first U.S.-born pope joked about his sporting loyalties, saying he would support Peru over the United States in a football match. He admitted the pastoral side of the papacy comes naturally, while global leadership is “the totally new aspect to this job”.
On Ukraine, Leo lamented the “useless killing” and called for renewed efforts towards peace. While stressing the Vatican’s diplomatic role, he voiced concern over the United Nations’ current inability to build consensus, suggesting bilateral dialogue may be more effective.
The nearly three hours of conversation with Allen, held over two interviews in July, suggest a new openness to media engagement. By comparison, Pope Francis waited six months before granting his first major interview.
Courtesy: Vatican News
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