Pope Leo addresses Gaza crisis in Christmas ⁠sermon • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Pope Leo: The current Pope, succeeding Francis, and his shift in approach to international relations and domestic US policies.
• Migration Policies: The US immigration policies criticized by Pope Leo, continuing a stance taken during his time as Cardinal Prevost.
• Russia-Ukraine Conflict: The Pope’s evolving stance on the conflict, including criticism of US mediation efforts and support for Ukraine.
• US-Vatican Relations: The dynamic between Pope Leo and the US, particularly with Donald Trump, characterized by a cautious approach from Trump.
• Church & Politics: The delicate balance between the Church’s moral authority and direct political influence.
• "Peripheries of the World": A concept used by Pope Francis to describe focusing on the poor and marginalized communities globally.
• Western Alignment: A perceived shift in Pope Leo’s foreign policy towards a more pro-Western stance, particularly regarding democracy and NATO.

Pope Leo’s Emerging Approach: A Shift in Vatican Diplomacy

This discussion with Masimo D’Angelo, a research associate at Lober University’s Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs, centers on the evolving approach of Pope Leo, particularly in comparison to his predecessor, Pope Francis. The conversation highlights the Pope’s increasingly direct criticism of US policies, both domestically regarding immigration and internationally concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the unique dynamic unfolding with the US political landscape.

Criticism of US Policies

Pope Leo has consistently voiced concerns about US immigration policies, a position he maintained even before becoming Pope as Cardinal Prevost. D’Angelo emphasizes this consistency, noting that while Leo’s style differs from Francis – being “less vocal” – the message remains clear. Specifically, Leo has directly criticized US decisions, extending beyond migration to include the US role as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This represents a more direct engagement with geopolitical issues than previously observed.

Appointment of New York Archbishop & Ideological Alignment

The appointment of a pro-migrant archbishop, Hicks, to the position of Cardinal of New York, replacing the conservative Dolan, is presented as a significant move. D’Angelo describes Hicks as similar in ideology to Pope Leo, both having spent time in Latin America and aligning with Pope Francis’ focus on the “peripheries of the world” – the poorest and most marginalized communities. This appointment is interpreted as a “powerful message” and a “clear direction” for the papacy, signaling a continuation of progressive values despite a shift in stylistic approach.

Trump’s Unusual Response

The discussion notes Donald Trump’s surprisingly restrained response to the Pope’s criticisms. Unlike his typical confrontational style, Trump is described as adopting an “unusual strategy,” avoiding direct engagement. D’Angelo suggests Trump recognizes the Pope’s unique position and the potential risks of a direct confrontation, evidenced by Vice President Vance’s invitation for a state visit. Trump “understood that he can’t go too far. He can’t have a confrontation with with the current pope would be too risky.”

Potential Influence on US Public Sentiment

While acknowledging the need to avoid overly “political lenses,” D’Angelo believes Pope Leo has the potential to influence public sentiment among Christians in the United States. His status as the first US-born Pope provides a degree of popular support. However, the approach differs from Francis, whose vocal style sometimes created internal tensions within the Church. Leo’s approach is seen as potentially more effective in denouncing perceived shortcomings of the Trump administration.

Shifting Foreign Policy & Western Alignment

A key point raised is Pope Leo’s perceived shift towards a more “Western” foreign policy. While Francis was described as sometimes “ambiguous,” even stating NATO was “barking” at Russia, Leo is seen as more openly defending democratic principles and showing greater concern for the defense of Europe. This is described as a departure from Francis’ approach and a more assertive stance aligned with Western values.

Mediation in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The conversation addresses the Pope’s potential role in mediating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. While the Church traditionally offers itself as a mediator, D’Angelo stresses the importance of acknowledging the aggressor and the victim. Taking a clear stance in support of Ukraine, he argues, could bolster the victim’s position and create a moral consensus. However, he believes Putin is unlikely to be receptive, contrasting this with Francis’ more nuanced approach towards Russia.

Style & Substance: A Comparison with Pope Francis

Throughout the discussion, a central theme is the contrast between Pope Leo and his predecessor, Pope Francis. Leo is portrayed as less overtly political in his style, less prone to creating internal tensions within the Church, and more willing to directly defend European interests and democratic principles. While Francis was described as having a “different style” with “risky consequences,” Leo is seen as more pragmatic and strategically aligned with Western values. D’Angelo notes Leo may be “less afraid of speaking” and “less afraid also to to defend Europe.”

Conclusion

The interview with Masimo D’Angelo reveals a Pope Leo who is subtly but significantly reshaping Vatican diplomacy. While maintaining a commitment to social justice and the concerns of marginalized communities, he is adopting a more assertive stance on international affairs, particularly regarding the US and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His approach, characterized by a more Western alignment and a cautious but critical engagement with US policies, represents a notable shift from the papacy of Francis and a potentially influential force in global politics. The cautious response from Donald Trump underscores the recognition of the Pope’s unique position and the potential risks of direct confrontation.