Pope Leo: I think of myself more as the pope who happens to be American

Pope Leo XIV makes a speech at the end of a concert in Borgo Laudato Si, a 55-hectare educational and environmental center, at Castel Gandolfo on July 29, 2026. (Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFP)

Pope Leo XIV has “great love” for the United States and what it stands for but doesn’t define himself as American, the Chicago-born pope told NBC in an interview.

Leo, the first pope from the United States, spoke Wednesday night to the US broadcaster on the sidelines of a prayer event with music at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence.

“I think of myself more as the pope who happens to be American. Not to belittle what it means to be an American,” said the pope, when asked how important it was to him being American.

“I have great love for America but I understand my mission as having a very important dimension, which is precisely being pastor of a universal church and having a voice and an opportunity to speak to people throughout the world,” added Leo, who spent nearly two decades as a missionary in Peru.