In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in its 2,000-year history, has used his platform to deliver a powerful critique of growing income inequality, zeroing in on the staggering disparities between the salaries of corporate executives and ordinary workers. In his first sit-down media interview since his election in May 2025, the pontiff specifically highlighted the eye-watering compensation package awarded to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is reportedly on track to become the world’s first trillionaire. The pope’s remarks, made during a conversation with journalist Elise Allen for the Catholic news site Crux, underscore his commitment to addressing systemic social and economic challenges, a mission that aligns with the priorities of his predecessor, Pope Francis, while reflecting his own unique perspective.
The interview, conducted in late July 2025, will feature prominently in Allen’s forthcoming biography of the new pope, offering an intimate look at a leader navigating the complexities of his role amid a rapidly changing global landscape. In addition to his concerns about wealth inequality, Pope Leo XIV spoke candidly about the steep learning curve of his position, his hopes for peace in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, and his frustration with the diminishing influence of international institutions like the United Nations. His remarks come at a time when global economic disparities, geopolitical tensions, and cultural divisions are testing the resilience of societies worldwide.
A Pontiff’s Critique of Economic Disparity
At the heart of Pope Leo XIV’s interview was a passionate condemnation of the growing chasm between the ultra-wealthy and the working class. Drawing on historical comparisons, he noted that six decades ago, corporate executives typically earned four to six times more than the average worker. Today, that ratio has ballooned to an astonishing 600 times, a statistic that the pope described as a driver of societal polarization. “CEOs that 60 years ago might have been making four to six times more than what the workers are receiving … it’s [now] 600 times more than the average workers are receiving,” he said, his tone reflecting both concern and urgency.
The pontiff singled out Elon Musk’s trillion-dollar compensation package as a symbol of this troubling trend. Reports that Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures, could become the world’s first trillionaire by the end of the decade prompted the pope to question the values underpinning such wealth accumulation. “What does that mean and what’s that about? If that is the only thing that has value anymore, then we’re in big trouble,” he remarked. His words resonate with a growing global unease about the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, particularly as millions struggle with rising costs of living, stagnant wages, and economic uncertainty.
The pope’s critique is not merely a moral stance but a call to reexamine the structures that perpetuate inequality. He argued that excessive executive pay exacerbates divisions within society, fostering resentment and undermining the sense of shared purpose that communities need to thrive. By invoking Musk’s case, Leo XIV highlighted a broader systemic issue: the glorification of individual wealth at the expense of collective well-being. His comments align with the Catholic Church’s long-standing teachings on social justice, which emphasize the dignity of work, the rights of workers, and the need for economic systems to serve the common good.
A New Pope, A New Perspective
Pope Leo XIV’s election on May 8, 2025, marked a historic milestone for the Catholic Church. Born in Chicago, the pontiff—whose birth name remains undisclosed in keeping with papal tradition—became the first American to ascend to the papacy. His journey to the Vatican is a remarkable one, shaped by decades of service as a missionary and bishop in Peru, where he developed a deep connection to the people and culture. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to a senior Vatican role, a move that positioned him as a leading figure in the global Church and, ultimately, a candidate for the papacy.
In the Crux interview, Leo XIV reflected on the challenges of stepping into one of the world’s most scrutinized roles. “I’m on a huge learning curve,” he admitted, describing the transition to global leadership as a “totally new aspect” of his life. “I had to jump in on the deep end of the pool very quickly,” he added, acknowledging the immense responsibility of guiding the Church’s 1.4 billion followers while addressing pressing global issues. His humility and self-awareness offer a glimpse into a pontiff who is both grounded and acutely aware of the weight of his office.
Despite the challenges, Leo XIV brings a distinctive perspective to the papacy. His American roots and Peruvian citizenship—he described himself as “an American who still loves Peru”—reflect a unique blend of identities that inform his worldview. In a lighthearted moment during the interview, he admitted that he would likely cheer for Peru over the United States in a World Cup match, a comment that underscores his deep affection for the country where he spent much of his adult life. This dual identity positions him as a bridge between the Global North and South, a role that could prove vital as he navigates issues like migration, poverty, and climate change—priorities he shares with Pope Francis but approaches with his own personal style.
A Vision for Peace and Global Cooperation
Beyond economic inequality, Pope Leo XIV addressed pressing global challenges, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed countless lives and displaced millions since its outbreak in 2022. Expressing hope for an end to the conflict, he lamented the United Nations’ declining ability to foster multilateral cooperation. “The United Nations has lost its ability to bring people together on multilateral issues,” he said, pointing to the organization’s struggles to mediate effectively in an era of heightened geopolitical tensions. His remarks reflect a broader concern about the erosion of global institutions at a time when collective action is desperately needed to address crises ranging from war to climate change.
The pope’s call for peace is rooted in the Catholic Church’s long tradition of advocating for reconciliation and dialogue. Drawing on his experience as a missionary in Peru, where he witnessed the impact of poverty and social unrest, Leo XIV emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict, including economic injustice and inequality. His vision for a more just and peaceful world aligns with the Church’s mission to promote human dignity and solidarity, themes that have been central to his early pontificate.
A Youthful Pontiff on His 70th Birthday
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Pope Leo XIV marked his 70th birthday, a milestone that highlighted his relative youth compared to his predecessors, who were often elected in their late 70s or 80s. The occasion was celebrated with warmth and festivity in St. Peter’s Square, where crowds gathered for the pope’s midday prayers. Groups of pilgrims held up banners wishing him a happy birthday, and a band played in his honor, filling the square with music and joy. From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope expressed his gratitude, thanking the crowd, his parents, and “all those who have remembered me in their prayers.”
The celebration underscored Leo XIV’s ability to connect with people on a personal level, a quality that has already endeared him to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. His youthful energy and approachable demeanor signal a pontificate that may be marked by greater engagement with younger generations, who are increasingly grappling with issues like economic precarity, climate change, and social polarization. At 70, Leo XIV is poised to lead the Church with vigor and vision, drawing on his diverse experiences to address the challenges of the 21st century.
Continuity and Change in the Papacy
Since his election, Pope Leo XIV has signaled a commitment to continuity with Pope Francis’ legacy, particularly on social issues. Like his predecessor, he has prioritized advocacy for migrants, the poor, and the environment, issues that resonate deeply with the Church’s mission to serve the marginalized. However, Leo XIV brings his own style to these priorities, shaped by his American upbringing and decades of service in Latin America. His critique of income inequality, for example, reflects a distinctly American perspective on the excesses of capitalism, while his time in Peru has given him a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by developing nations.
This blend of perspectives makes Leo XIV a uniquely positioned leader, capable of speaking to both the affluent and the impoverished, the powerful and the powerless. His emphasis on economic justice echoes the teachings of Catholic social doctrine, which calls for a preferential option for the poor and a commitment to the common good. By addressing issues like executive pay and wealth concentration, he is challenging not only individuals but also systems and structures that perpetuate inequality.
The Broader Context: Inequality and the Church’s Role
Pope Leo XIV’s remarks on income inequality come at a time when the issue is at the forefront of global debates. According to recent studies, the top 1% of earners now hold more wealth than the bottom 90% in many countries, a disparity that has fueled populist movements and social unrest. In the United States, where Leo was born, the CEO-to-worker pay ratio has skyrocketed in recent decades, with executives at major corporations earning hundreds of times more than their employees. This trend has sparked widespread criticism, with policymakers, economists, and activists calling for reforms to address wage stagnation and wealth concentration.
The Catholic Church has long played a role in shaping these debates, advocating for economic systems that prioritize human dignity over profit. From Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed the rights of workers in the Industrial Age, to Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, which linked economic inequality to environmental degradation, the Church has consistently called for a more equitable world. Pope Leo XIV’s comments build on this tradition, offering a contemporary critique that resonates with both Catholics and the broader public.
By singling out Elon Musk’s compensation, the pope is also engaging with the cultural fascination with billionaire entrepreneurs. Figures like Musk, who have amassed unprecedented wealth through innovation and disruption, are often celebrated as symbols of success. Yet, as Leo XIV suggests, this celebration comes at a cost, raising questions about the values that define progress and prosperity. His remarks challenge society to reconsider what it means to thrive in an era of extreme wealth and extreme poverty.
Looking Ahead: A Pontificate of Purpose
As Pope Leo XIV settles into his role, his early actions and words suggest a pontificate defined by purpose and urgency. His willingness to tackle controversial issues like income inequality, combined with his humility and relatability, positions him as a leader who can bridge divides and inspire change. The Crux interview offers a glimpse into a pope who is both reflective and resolute, aware of the challenges of his office but determined to use his platform to advocate for a more just and compassionate world.
The forthcoming biography by Elise Allen, which will include excerpts from the interview, is expected to shed further light on Leo XIV’s life and vision. For now, his remarks on inequality, peace, and global cooperation signal a pontificate that will continue to challenge the status quo while remaining rooted in the Church’s timeless mission. As he navigates the complexities of leadership, Pope Leo XIV is poised to leave a lasting mark on the Catholic Church and the world beyond.
