Pope Leo gave a television interview to American network NBC on Wednesday evening (29/07), speaking about what he loves about the United States and the country’s long history of welcoming immigrants. When asked how he feels as the first “American Pope,” Pope Leo clarified that he prefers to see himself “as the pope who happens to be American,” noting that this in no way diminishes the significance of his American roots. “I was born in the United States. My family still lives in the United States. I have a great love for America,” he said.
Tom @LlamasNBC: “I’m curious, how important is being American to you? What do you love about America?”
Pope Leo: “First of all, just to clarify, I think of myself more as the pope, who happens to be American. Not to belittle what it means to be American. I was born in the United… pic.twitter.com/5EqHsAE9f9
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) July 29, 2026
Pope Leo: I have a great love for America
However, he added that he understands his mission as “something that has a very important dimension: to be the shepherd of a universal Church, with a voice and the ability to speak to people across the entire world.” He also acknowledged that both for himself and for Americans, it holds “great significance” that he is the first pope from the United States.
What he loves most about the US
When asked what he loves most about America, he pointed to the values the country embodies: “the sense of freedom, of opportunity, and the fact that, for generations, it has invited people from every corner of the world to become part of it.” He also recalled that his own grandparents were immigrants to the United States.
A look back at his family history
Reaching further back into his family’s past, he revealed that on his mother’s side there were ancestors who were both enslaved people and slave owners. “There is a history of evolution and experiences that helps me recognize one of the greatest wealths of the United States,” he said, adding that he continues to believe in the principles that have been an integral part of American identity for many years, and expressing hope that they will continue to be upheld.
“I hope to be there soon”
At the end of the interview, he was asked whether he plans to visit the United States. “They will see me there. As it happens, just today we were reviewing our schedule for the next two years,” he replied. “Nothing has been finalized yet, but I truly hope to be there soon,” he said.
NEW: Pope Leo XIV tells NBC News that what he loves about America is that we have “invited for generations people from around the world to be part of America.”
Noting that he’s the grandson of immigrants, he calls immigrants one of the nation’s “greatest wealths.” pic.twitter.com/XvXEtirgtI
— Christopher Hale (@ChristopherHale) July 29, 2026
