Pope Leo speaks about his American roots and his identity now as shepherd of the Universal Church
In the interview with the American broadcaster, the Pontiff also shared about several of his favorite aspects of the U.S., noting several principles the country holds. He also stated he hopes to visit his native land “soon.”
Speaking in a July 29 NBC interview about his perspective on being the first American pontiff, Pope Leo XIV shared that he still loves the U.S. while also viewing his papal role as shepherd of the universal Church his primary identity.
The Pontiff shared his remarks during an in-person interview with “Nightly News” anchor Tom Llamas in Castel Gandolfo after attending a prayer event for peace accompanied by a concert. Llamas asked the Pope, “how important is being an American to you?”
“Well, first of all just to clarify, I think of myself more as the Pope who happens to be American,” Pope Leo responded in a lighthearted tone. “Not to belittle what it means to be American; I was born in the United States, my family is still in the United States.”
“I have great love for America,” he continued, “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.”
“So I will put things in that order,” Pope Leo said, “and yet at the same time, I will acknowledge that for myself, as well as for the people of the United States — judging by the response that we've seen since May 8th of last year — that there is great significance in being the first American pope.”
Llamas then asked Pope Leo what he loves about America.
“So many things,” the Pontiff replied. “In a sense, speaking about principles, what America stands for: the sense of freedom, [the] sense of opportunity, the sense of having invited generations of people from around the world to be a part of America.”
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Speaking about his own family history, Pope Leo added that both of his grandparents were immigrants, and continued, that on his mother’s side, there were people who were slaves and others who were slave owners.
The Pope then reiterated that he still holds the principles of the U.S.
“There's a history of, if you will, growing up in the kind of experience that helps me to recognize myself, one of the greatest wealths of the United States,” he said, “and I continue to hold the principles that have been a part of being American for so many years, that will continue.”
Lastly, Llamas asked if the Pontiff will visit America soon.
“They will see me there,” Pope Leo said, without specifying a date. “By coincidence, today we were looking at the calendar for the next couple of years. Nothing is set in stone yet, but I certainly hope to be there soon.”
Earlier this month, Pope Leo marked the 250th anniversary of his native country with dinner on the Fourth of July at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch. Burch told Zeale News that they talked about a range of topics including “growing up in Chicago, [the Pope’s] family and faith, and his leadership as the Supreme Pontiff and of the Holy See.”
