Just days into his papacy, the new head of the Catholic Church offered a sharp, two-word response when asked about the United States — a remark that’s already fueling conversation far beyond Vatican walls.
Pope Leo XIV addressed the United States during a press meeting with journalists in Rome on Monday, May 12, sparking a buzz with his comment.
When asked by NewsNation’s Robert Sherman if he had a message for the U.S., the pontiff replied, “Many.” He added, “God bless you all.”
The brief exchange quickly drew attention online, with the pope’s one-word answer sparking mixed reactions across social media.
On Instagram, several people responded directly to the clip. One commenter wrote, “I got a lot of problems with you people [sic]!” Another remarked, “‘Many’ Yep, he’s gonna do great [sic].”
Referencing the Pope’s reply, one comment read, “Pope Leo XIV: For the USA?
Others praised the pontiff’s approach. One person commented, “That’s an extremely intelligent response,” while another added, “he is so smart ngl [sic].”
There were also broader takes, with one Instagrammer stating, “religion and politics should be completely separate [sic].”
A few expressed concern or humor over the pope’s tone. One comment mentioned, “MANY!!!!!” while another said, “we’re cooked [sic].”
Just days before this exchange, on May 8, the Vatican formally introduced the new pontiff to the world.
From the central loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti proclaimed to the city of Rome and the world, “I announce to you a great joy: WE HAVE A POPE. The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord Robert Francis Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Prevost who has taken the name Leo XIV.”
Shortly after the announcement, Pope Leo XIV made his first post on his official Instagram account.
He wrote, “Peace be with you all! This is the first greeting spoken by the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd. I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, and among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world.”
Just days into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV was already breaking convention, delivering a first public message that struck chords far beyond the Vatican walls.
In his first Sunday noon blessing, he delivered a direct and urgent appeal to the world’s most powerful nations, calling for peace in war-torn regions and justice for the oppressed.
The address, delivered from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, marked the new pontiff’s first public message since assuming the papacy and drew a crowd of nearly 100,000 faithful to Vatican City. “I, too, address the world’s great powers by repeating the ever-present call ‘never again war,'” Pope Leo declared, his voice echoing across the packed square.
The Pope’s message centered on two of the globe’s most volatile conflicts: Ukraine and Gaza. Drawing on the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo described today’s world as caught in a “third world war in pieces.”
“I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people,” he said. “Whatever is possible be done to reach an authentic true and lasting peace as quickly as possible.”
He called for the release of prisoners of war and the safe return of Ukrainian children displaced by the conflict. He also praised a ceasefire recently reached between India and Pakistan — a rare point of optimism in a speech that otherwise underscored the weight of ongoing global unrest.
Turning to the Middle East, Pope Leo made an urgent plea for a halt to the violence in Gaza. He urged for an immediate ceasefire, calling for humanitarian aid to reach civilians and for all hostages to be released. He also asked for relief to be extended to the exhausted civilian population.
Sunday’s appearance was rich in symbolism. From his gestures on the balcony to his deliberate invocation of unity in a fractured Catholic Church, Leo seemed intent on positioning his papacy as one of reconciliation and bold truth-telling.
The tone he set appears to extend beyond global conflict. Even before his election, Pope Leo’s past statements and actions were being closely scrutinized. In the hours after the white smoke cleared, a series of old tweets resurfaced, revealing sharp criticism of U.S. political figures — notably JD Vance, now a key figure in the Trump administration.
One post on X read, “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others,” linking to an article from National Catholic Reporter. Another post on X criticized Vance’s interpretation of religious duty in the context of immigration.
The Pope’s stance on immigration was further highlighted by comments from his brother, Mr. John Prevost, who shared insight into Leo’s private convictions.
“I don’t think he’ll stay quiet for too long if he has something to say,” Prevost noted. “I know he’s not happy with what’s going on with immigration. I know that for a fact. How far he’ll go with it is only one’s guess, but he won’t just sit back. I don’t think he’ll be the silent one.”
