Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Catholic Church and the first American to ever hold the papacy, has wasted little time making his voice heard on global issues. In his first major interview since taking the helm, he offered a candid critique of what he sees as one of the most glaring injustices of modern society: the astronomical gap between CEO salaries and those of average workers. Speaking with Elise Allen, senior correspondent at Catholic news site Crux, Pope Leo singled out Tesla’s trillion-dollar compensation package for Elon Musk, using it as a stark example of runaway income inequality.
“CEOs that 60 years ago might have been making four to six times more than what the workers are receiving … it’s (now) 600 times more than the average workers are receiving,” Pope Leo remarked during the interview, excerpts of which were published on September 15, 2025, by both CNN and Crux. His words echoed across global media, resonating with both critics and defenders of corporate pay structures. The pontiff referenced recent news reports that Elon Musk, the high-profile CEO of Tesla, was on track to become the world’s first trillionaire, asking pointedly, “What does that mean and what’s that about? If that is the only thing that has value anymore, then we’re in big trouble.”
Pope Leo’s comments come at a time when income inequality is fueling social and political polarization in countries around the world. According to CNN, the pope cited this growing disparity as a root cause of division and unrest, suggesting that the ever-widening gulf between the ultra-wealthy and everyday workers threatens the fabric of society. His remarks, direct and unvarnished, are a continuation of the Church’s long-standing advocacy for the marginalized—but delivered with the distinctive voice of a leader who is still finding his footing on the world stage.
Indeed, Pope Leo was candid about the challenges he faces as a new and highly scrutinized global figure. “I’m on a huge learning curve,” he admitted to Allen, describing the transition to papal leadership as a “totally new aspect” of his life. “I’ve had to jump in on the deep end of the pool very quickly.” It’s a striking admission from a man now tasked with guiding 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, but it also reflects the humility and openness that have already begun to define his tenure.
Leo’s journey to the papacy is itself a story of global citizenship and cross-cultural experience. Born in Chicago, he spent a significant portion of his adult life as a missionary and bishop in Peru, where he developed a deep connection to the people and culture. In 2023, Pope Francis—his immediate predecessor—appointed him to a senior position in the Vatican, setting the stage for his eventual election as pope on May 8, 2025. Leo’s dual citizenship, American and Peruvian, is more than a footnote; it shapes his worldview and his approach to leadership. During the interview, he described himself as “an American who still loves Peru,” even admitting with a smile that he would probably root for Peru over the United States if the two nations faced off in a World Cup soccer match.
Since his election, Pope Leo has signaled his intent to continue the social advocacy championed by Pope Francis, with a focus on migration, poverty, and climate change. But he’s doing so in his own style, blending the Church’s traditional teachings with a pragmatic understanding of contemporary challenges. His critique of CEO pay is just one example of this approach—unafraid to name names or address the specifics of the modern economy.
Beyond economic issues, the pope also addressed the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, expressing his hope for a peaceful resolution. He lamented what he perceives as the diminished effectiveness of the United Nations, saying the organization has “lost its ability to bring people together on multilateral issues.” This sense of urgency and frustration is palpable; Leo’s words suggest a leader who is both deeply concerned about the state of the world and eager to see concrete action taken on the global stage.
As reported by Crux and CNN, the interview took place at the end of July 2025, with the timing coinciding with another milestone: Pope Leo’s 70th birthday on September 14. The occasion was marked with celebration at St. Peter’s Square, where crowds gathered during midday prayers, holding banners wishing him a happy birthday as a band played a festive tune. Leo took a moment to thank those assembled, offering gratitude to his parents and “all those who have remembered me in their prayers.” At 70, he is considered a relatively youthful pope—his two immediate predecessors were several years older when they assumed the papacy—giving him, perhaps, a longer runway to shape the Church’s direction.
His remarks on income inequality have already sparked debate. Supporters of his stance argue that the Church, as a moral authority, has a duty to speak out against injustices that threaten social cohesion and human dignity. They point to the growing body of evidence showing that excessive executive compensation, especially when juxtaposed with stagnant wages for workers, undermines trust in institutions and erodes the sense of shared purpose necessary for a healthy society. Critics, meanwhile, contend that such commentary risks oversimplifying complex economic realities. They argue that CEO compensation packages, like Musk’s, are often tied to company performance and innovation, and that singling out individuals could stifle entrepreneurship or misrepresent the broader dynamics at play.
Yet Pope Leo’s willingness to engage directly with these contentious topics is notable. He does not shy away from the specifics, nor does he limit himself to abstract moralizing. By referencing Tesla and Musk by name, he brings the conversation squarely into the present, forcing a reckoning with the values and priorities that shape our world. His rhetorical question—“If that is the only thing that has value anymore, then we’re in big trouble”—invites reflection not just from Catholics, but from all who are concerned about the direction of modern society.
As Leo settles into his role, observers will be watching closely to see how his words translate into action. Will the Church take a more active stance on economic justice? Will Leo’s global perspective and personal humility help bridge divides within the Church and beyond? These are open questions, but one thing is clear: Pope Leo XIV has arrived on the world stage with a message that is both timely and urgent, challenging leaders and ordinary citizens alike to reconsider what truly matters.
With his 70th birthday behind him and the world’s attention fixed firmly on Rome, Pope Leo’s next steps will be closely watched—not just by Catholics, but by anyone interested in the intersection of faith, justice, and global leadership.