Pope Leo Says He Is ‘The Pope Who Happens to Be American,’ Reflects on Family’s History of Slavery
Pontiff says his mission is to serve the universal Church while acknowledging his family's roots as immigrants, slaves and slave owners.
By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | July 31,2026
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo has spoken candidly about his American identity and his family’s complex history, revealing that his maternal ancestors included both enslaved people and slave owners while emphasizing that his role as pontiff transcends nationality.
In his first major television interview with an American broadcaster since becoming Pope, Leo said he sees himself primarily as the spiritual leader of the global Catholic Church rather than simply an American pope.
“I think of myself more as the Pope who happens to be American,” he said. “Not to belittle what it means to be an American.”
Reflecting on his family’s past
During the interview, Pope Leo explained that his family history reflects America’s complicated past.
He noted that his grandparents were immigrants, while on his mother’s side of the family there were people who had been both slaves and slave owners, a history he said has shaped his understanding of human dignity and equality.
The Pope said this diverse heritage has strengthened his appreciation for people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Praise for American ideals
Although he stressed that his mission is universal, Pope Leo expressed deep affection for his homeland.
He praised the United States for its longstanding ideals of freedom, opportunity and welcoming immigrants, saying these principles have made the country a symbol of hope for generations of people seeking a better life.
He added that these values remain an important part of his own upbringing and continue to influence his worldview.
Immigration remains a central message
Since becoming Pope, Leo has repeatedly spoken in defence of migrants and refugees, calling for compassion, dignity and humane treatment of people forced to leave their homes.
His comments have often been viewed as criticism of restrictive immigration policies in several countries, particularly the United States. Earlier this month, he urged Americans to remain faithful to the nation’s tradition of welcoming immigrants, describing it as one of the country’s defining strengths.
The Pope has also used several public addresses to condemn human trafficking and modern forms of exploitation while insisting that every person deserves dignity regardless of nationality or immigration status.
A Pope with a global mission
Pope Leo said his nationality is part of his personal story, but it does not define his papacy.
Instead, he said his responsibility is to be a shepherd for Catholics around the world, promoting peace, justice, compassion and unity across nations.
His remarks come as he continues to shape his papacy around themes of reconciliation, human dignity and solidarity, while encouraging world leaders to build societies rooted in freedom, inclusion and respect for every human being.
