The U.S.-born pontiff expressed affection for his homeland in an interview with NBC News on July 29.
Leo XIV, the first pope born in the United States, has emphasized his continued love for his native country, even as head of the global Catholic Church.
The pontiff made these remarks in an interview with Tom Llamas of NBC News on July 29 at Castel Gandolfo. The interview followed the “Canticle of Peace” music prayer service for peace at the Borgo Laudato Si’, part of the Pontifical Gardens at Castel Gandolfo, featuring music by the renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
Leo, in discussing his love for America, clarified that his identity is now of a universal pastor.
“I have great love for America,” Leo told NBC News. “But I understand my mission as having a very important dimension, which is precisely being pastor of a universal church.”
“I think of myself more as the pope who happens to be American.”
The pope also acknowledged the historic significance of being the first U.S.-born bishop of Rome.
“I will acknowledge that for myself, as well as for the people of the United States… that there is great significance in being the first American pope,” Leo said.
He also outlined his favorite aspects of the U.S., including a sense of freedom and opportunity for generations of migrants, including his ancestors, some of whom were enslaved.
“We have people who were both slaves and slave owners.”
“I come from a family [where] my grandparents were immigrants on my motherʼs side,” the pope said. “There’s a history, if you will, of growing up in the kind of experience that helps me recognize myself, one of the greatest wealths of the United States.”
Addressing the likelihood of a future visit to the U.S., Leo explained that the Vatican was considering the timing of such a visit.
“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,” Leo said.
The pontiff briefly returned to Castel Gandolfo on July 29 for the “Canticle of Peace” after recently concluding his vacation there from July 5–27 and returning to the Vatican.
This article was originally published by EWTN News English.
