Pope Leo XIV appeared to take a thinly veiled shot at President Donald Trump’s immigration policies in a rare interview with NBC News and Telemundo.
Highlighting his favorite thing about America, Pope Leo quickly turned to the country’s historic “principles” of standing for freedom, opportunity and inviting immigrants.
“My grandparents were immigrants,” Pope Leo told NBC’s “Nightly News” Wednesday evening, his first interview with a national U.S. broadcaster.
“On my mother’s side, we have people who were both slaves and slave owners. 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.”
Pope Leo, the first American to become the head of the Catholic Church, has spoken publicly against the Trump administration’s “inhumane” treatment of migrants and encouraged bishops in the U.S. to stand up for immigrants.
open image in galleryEarlier this month, Pope Leo sent a letter to the U.S. marking its 250th anniversary, and wrote: “To receive (immigrants) with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person.”
In the past, the pope has also condemned Trump’s intervention in Venezuela and Iran, strongly stating it was unacceptable for the president to threaten to wipe out the Iranian civilization.
Pope Leo’s advocacy for immigrants has led to ire from Trump. Earlier this year, Trump insisted the pope is “weak on crime,” is “catering to the left,” and even took credit for Pope Leo’s ascent to the Vatican.
The Chicago-born pope responded by stating he has “no fear” of the Trump administration or of spreading his message of inclusion and hospitality.
Pope Leo later clarified that his comments are not meant as direct attacks but rather his general approach as head of the Catholic Church to speak out against war and “promote peace,” dialogue and “multilateral relationships.”
Though Pope Leo did not name Trump directly while speaking with NBC News Wednesday, his comments bolster his previous statements advocating for better treatment of migrants inside the U.S.
open image in gallery“I continue to hold the principles that have been a part of being Americans for so many years,” Pope Leo, who is originally from Chicago, said.
When asked by NBC News if he plans to visit the U.S. anytime soon, the pope said he was looking at his calendar but that “nothing is set in stone yet.”
“I certainly hope to be there soon,” Pope Leo told NBC News.
Later in a brief interview with Noticias Telemundo, Pope Leo gave a message to migrants.
“Have hope,” Pope Leo said in Spanish. “We must recognize that there may be people who—I don’t know—have suffered because of offenses, crimes and things of that kind. A society cannot be built that way. We must therefore learn to live in peace, but we must also have the courage and the hope that always help us all.”