Pope Leo discusses Trump, sexual abuse scandals, immigration, and China's policies in his initial interview.
Pope Leo XIV Addresses a Range of Issues in Interview
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has spoken out on a variety of topics in an extensive interview, including the financial crisis facing the Vatican, immigration, and the ongoing sexual abuse scandals within the Catholic Church.
The financial crisis at the Vatican is a pressing concern, with the Holy See running a structural deficit of 50-60 million euros and facing a 1 billion euro shortfall in its pension fund. The pandemic has exacerbated the situation, as the Vatican Museums, the Holy See's main source of revenue, were forced to close.
Regarding the financial crisis, Pope Leo XIV stated that efforts to address it must continue, as the financial crisis is improving but not yet over. He also mentioned that the Vatican is working to reduce costs and increase revenue.
On the issue of immigration, Pope Leo XIV expressed concern and noted that it is an important issue for the Catholic Church. He praised U.S. bishops for their courage in confronting the Trump administration on immigration-related issues.
The sexual abuse scandals within the Catholic Church are another area of focus for Pope Leo XIV. He acknowledged that the issue is real and has not been fully resolved. However, he also stated that there have been cases of false accusations in the scandals.
Pope Leo XIV has also been accused by a U.S. victim advocacy group of not doing enough to help Peruvian victims of abuse.
The pope also addressed the issue of Vatican-China relations, stating that he is studying the issue and speaking with Chinese people 'on both sides' about it. He expressed support for the 2018 Vatican-China accord, stating that it was necessary to prevent a schism in the Chinese church.
Pope Leo XIV also addressed the issue of same-sex marriage, reiterating the Catholic Church's stance that it opposes same-sex marriage. However, he also expressed support for Pope Francis' message of welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics.
The pope also discussed the issue of the rights of priests, stating that he believes the rights of priests must be respected. He also vowed to continue appointing women to leadership positions in the church, but did not express an intention to change the church's teaching on the ordination of women as deacons or priests.
Pope Leo XIV also had a conversation with the Vice President of the United States, discussing human dignity and the treatment of people in policies and choices. He did not express support for President Trump, stating that he and his brother, a self-described 'MAGA-type,' who has met the U.S. president, are in 'different places.'
Finally, Pope Leo XIV spoke about the Holy Year pilgrimage that included several LGBTQ+ Catholic groups earlier this month, stating that the Catholic Church teaches that homosexual people must be treated with dignity and respect, but homosexual activity is 'intrinsically disordered.'
The pope's interview covered a wide range of topics, providing insight into his thoughts and priorities as the leader of the Catholic Church. The challenges facing the Church, including the financial crisis, sexual abuse scandals, and Vatican-China relations, were all discussed in depth.
