VATICAN CITY (Realist English). Pope Leo said he intends to continue many of Pope Francis’ hallmark policies — including outreach to LGBT Catholics, openness to discussing women’s ordination, and maintaining the Vatican’s agreement with China on bishop appointments — but emphasized he is not planning major changes to Catholic teaching. The comments came in his first interview since his election, published Thursday.
Leo, 70, who became the first American pope in May, struck a more reserved tone than his predecessor. While Francis often spoke bluntly on global politics, including accusing Israel of possible genocide in Gaza, Leo declined to use the term. “The word genocide is being thrown around more and more. The Holy See does not believe that we can make any declaration at this time about that,” he said, though he voiced “great concern” for Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
The pope also raised concerns about the political climate in the United States. He said he had not yet spoken directly with President Donald Trump but discussed human dignity and migrant rights with Vice President JD Vance during a May meeting. “Obviously, there’s some things going on in the States that are of concern,” he noted.
On internal Church issues, Leo reiterated Francis’ condemnation of clerical sexual abuse but added that false accusations also pose a problem. “Well over 90% of people who come forward are authentic victims. But there have also been proven cases of false accusation,” he said.
Francis, who led the Church for 12 years until his death in April, opened new debates on blessing same-sex couples and women’s roles in the Church. Leo indicated he would maintain this openness but stopped short of suggesting doctrinal changes. “The Church’s teaching will continue as it is,” he said regarding same-sex marriage and ordination.
Leo also addressed the Vatican’s finances, citing an €83 million budget shortfall and broader pension fund gaps, but said improvements were under way. “I don’t think the crisis is over … but I’m not losing sleep over it,” he said.