Pope Leo XIV has opened the door to possible changes in the Vatican’s relationship with China, while addressing a wide range of global issues in his first public interview since becoming pontiff.

CNA reported that the American pope indicated flexibility on the controversial 2018 Vatican-China agreement, discussed U.S. politics, the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, artificial intelligence, and reaffirmed the Church’s spiritual mission in a wide-ranging interview released September 18.

The conversation, conducted in English in July, was published in a Spanish-language biography titled León XIV: ciudadano del mundo, misionero del siglo XXI, written by journalist Elise Ann Allen and released by Penguin Peru. English and Portuguese translations are expected in 2026.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church and the first pope known to have visited mainland China before being elected, expressed openness to revisiting the 2018 Vatican-China deal that governs the appointment of bishops. This agreement, renewed three times during Pope Francis’ tenure, has been criticized by human rights groups for allegedly enabling greater governmental control over the Church in China.

The pope stated that he is in active dialogue with persecuted Catholic communities in China as well as with those aligned with the government. He underscored the need to engage before making major decisions, saying he is “listening to a significant group of Chinese Catholics who for many years have lived some kind of oppression or difficulty in living their faith freely.”

Pope’s Stance on China Seen as Possibly Evolving

In addressing the Vatican's continued approach toward China, Leo said that in the short term, the Holy See will maintain its current policies, but refrained from committing to a firm direction for the future. “It’s a very difficult situation,” he said. “In the long term, I don’t pretend to say this is what I will and will not do.”

Turning to the United States, the pope emphasized his intention to avoid political partisanship while not shying away from moral concerns. He noted the Church’s role is not to support one political party, but to champion issues that rise from the Gospel, saying, “That’s not what the Church is about.”

He shared that he had spoken with Vice President J.D. Vance regarding human dignity and expressed openness to meeting with former President Donald Trump. While not endorsing Trump, Leo said he would support any efforts by the former president aimed at promoting peace in the world.

Human Dignity, Inequality, and Technology Worries

Leo warned about the United States prioritizing economic success over human worth, stating, “Sometimes decisions are made more based on economics than on human dignity.” He praised American bishops who had supported Pope Francis’s criticism of deportation policies and immigrant treatment under the Trump administration.

Economic disparity was another concern for the pontiff, particularly the vast difference in earnings between executives and working-class people. He cited Elon Musk as an example, asserting that extreme wealth concentration poses a threat to social harmony. “If that is the only thing that has value anymore, then we’re in big trouble,” he cautioned.

The pope also raised alarms about the effects of artificial intelligence on employment and well-being. He warned that fully automating industries could leave much of the population without a path to a meaningful life. “There’s a big problem, a huge problem coming down the line,” he stressed.

Calls for Peace and Justice in Global Conflicts

On the Israel-Gaza conflict, Pope Leo acknowledged growing use of the term “genocide” while clarifying that the Holy See is not prepared to label the conflict that way. He explained that although some human rights groups in Israel have used the term, the Vatican is not in a position to make a definitive declaration at this point.

He emphasized the urgent need to provide humanitarian relief to Gaza, highlighting the United States’ influence over Israeli policy as a potentially constructive force. He did not endorse one side in the conflict, reiterating instead the Vatican’s policy of neutrality.

Regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Leo confirmed that the Vatican had offered to mediate peace talks—a proposal that went unaccepted. He underscored the Holy See’s efforts to remain unbiased, saying it is essential for the Church to serve as a space where both parties can engage.

Bridge-Building Between Churches, Not Just Nations

The Pontiff also expressed readiness to engage in the dispute between Moscow and Constantinople over the autonomy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He stated that if his role as Bishop of Rome could help ease divisions in the Christian world, he would view that as a meaningful contribution.

He warned that global institutions such as the United Nations are losing their ability to resolve international crises. According to Leo, there is a broader trend toward bilateral diplomacy and a fragmentation of shared principles.

The pope reflected on a loss of moral consensus around the value of life and the structure of society, particularly the family. He emphasized that these breakdowns in shared values are contributing to global unrest and a sense of meaninglessness among many people.

The Spiritual Mission Above All

Despite speaking on such a broad range of issues, Pope Leo emphasized that the Church’s mission is spiritual in nature. “I don’t see my primary role as trying to be the solver of the world’s problems,” he said.

He affirmed that the Church has an important voice in public discourse, especially around peace, justice, and dignity, but insisted that its main task remains the proclamation of the Gospel. “My role is announcing the good news,” he stated.

Candid yet measured, Pope Leo XIV’s debut interview offers a glimpse of a papacy seeking to balance spiritual authority with thoughtful engagement on the pressing issues of today’s world. As his vision unfolds, many will be watching how he navigates the complex interplay of faith and geopolitics.