- Pope Leo XIV says advocating peace is realistic, but acting as mediator is not
- Vatican aims to remain neutral amid Russia-Ukraine war
- Pope critiques wealth inequality, citing CEOs earn 600x more than workers
Pope Leo XIV has stated that while popes can and should be strong advocates for peace, it is less realistic for them to take on the role of mediators in international conflicts.
In excerpts from an interview published on Sunday, September 14, 2025, the pope addressed speculation that the Vatican might mediate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, saying such expectations are unrealistic.
“There’s a distinction between being a voice for peace and acting as a mediator. I believe the first is very much within reach, while the second is not as realistic,” he said in an interview with Crux, a Catholic news outlet.
Pope Leo, who became the first American-born pontiff in May, emphasized that the Vatican is making deliberate efforts to maintain true neutrality in global conflicts.
“Some of my statements have been interpreted in different ways — and that’s okay. But I don’t believe direct mediation is the priority at this time.”
On Inequality and Economic Disparity
The pope also addressed growing economic inequality, warning of its role in deepening political polarization. He pointed to the staggering gap between executive and worker pay:
“Decades ago, CEOs earned four to six times what the average worker made. Today, it’s over 600 times more.”
He referenced reports that Elon Musk could soon become the world’s first trillionaire, due to a proposed compensation plan by Tesla’s board.
“If that’s what we now define as value, we’re in serious trouble,” he remarked.
Concerns Over Global Governance
Pope Leo also expressed concern about the effectiveness of multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations. He said that while the UN was designed to be a forum for global problem-solving, it is no longer functioning effectively in that role.
“In theory, the UN should be the platform for addressing many global challenges. Unfortunately, it has lost its capacity to bring nations together.”
These remarks were part of interviews conducted for an upcoming authorized biography by journalist Elise Ann Allen, set to be released in Spanish this week, with English and Portuguese editions to follow early next year.
Pope Leo, who spent two decades serving in Peru before his election, noted that he has already met with numerous world leaders and international bodies, and acknowledged that true global cooperation remains difficult to achieve.
