In a candid interview with Crux, the first American pope, Leo XIV, has voiced deep concerns over the widening income gap between executives and ordinary workers, calling into question the values underpinning modern society. The pontiff, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, expressed alarm at the prospect of tech mogul Elon Musk becoming the world’s first trillionaire, warning that an overemphasis on wealth threatens the dignity of human life and social bonds.
Since his election in May, Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the plight of low-income workers, drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIII, the 19th-century advocate for labor rights. In his first extensive interview as pope, he noted that “CEOs that 60 years ago might have been making four to six times more than what the workers are receiving, the last figure I saw, it’s 600 times more.”
“What does that mean and what’s that about?” the pontiff asked. “If that is the only thing that has value any more, then we’re in big trouble.” He further lamented that society risks losing sight of “the value of human life, of the family, and the value of society.”
Pope Leo also acknowledged the steep learning curve he faces as he navigates his new role on the global stage. “The totally new aspect to this job is being thrown onto the level of world leader,” he reflected. “It’s very public… I had to jump in the deep end of the pool very quickly.”
The pontiff’s critique extended to the United Nations, which he believes is struggling to fulfill its peacekeeping and diplomatic functions. “In theory, the United Nations should be the place where many of these issues are dealt with. Unfortunately, it seems to be generally recognised that the United Nations, at least at this moment in time, has lost its ability to bring people together on multilateral issues,” he said.
Despite the gravity of these challenges, Pope Leo remains optimistic. Reflecting on his time in Peru and his upbringing in Chicago, he emphasized the importance of dialogue, empathy, and shared experiences. Asked which team he would support in the next World Cup, he replied with a smile, “Probably Peru… I’m also a big fan of Italy.”
The pope’s remarks underscore a growing unease about wealth inequality and global governance at a time when technological and economic powerhouses accumulate unprecedented resources. His comments, as reported by The Times UK, invite renewed discussion on how faith leaders and policymakers alike should confront the moral and social dilemmas of today’s world.
An extended version of the interview will be featured in an upcoming biography, Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the XXI Century, to be published in Spanish this September and in English in early 2026.
