Pope Leo's now habitual trips to Castel Gandolfo for his Tuesday "day off" have also resulted in a now regular mid-week mini press conference. On September 30, he weighed in on several issues related specifically to the United States.
Responding to journalists waiting for him outside the gates of Villa Barberini, the Pope described Donald Trump's plan for Gaza as a “realistic proposal.”
“There are very interesting elements,” he said, adding, "We hope Hamas accepts within the established timeframe.”
The 20 points of the strategic plan includes the release of hostages and the disarmament of Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ratified the plan.
Referring to the political tensions surrounding the humanitarian flotilla of 40 boats approaching Gaza with an Italian frigate, the Pope noted: “There is a desire to respond to a real humanitarian emergency.” He expressed hope that “there is no violence and that people are respected.”
The head of the Catholic Church also expressed concern about a meeting convened by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, calling for preparations for war. “This way of expressing oneself is worrying,” he said, as it reflects increased global tensions.
On President Trump’s decision to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, the Holy Father said, “We hope it is just rhetoric.”
He noted that it demonstrates a style of government “that uses force to exert pressure,” and added, “We hope it works, but that there is no war; we must work for peace.”
Durbin debate
The Pope was also asked about another issue that has been causing debate among bishops and laity of the Church in the United States.
Cardinal Blaise Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, had announced a decision to give an archdiocesan achievement award to Senator Dick Durbin, in recognition of his work for immigrants. However, the senator is also a staunch advocate of abortion.
Asked specifically about the issue, the Pope first clarified that he is "not very informed" about it.
But he then noted that the "pro-life" label does not regard just one issue.
“I understand the difficulty and the tensions. But I think, as I myself have spoken in the past, it’s important to look at many issues that are related to the teachings of the Church.”
“Someone who says I’m against abortion but is in favor of the death penalty is not really pro-life. Someone who says I’m against abortion but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don’t know if that’s pro life.”
The Holy Father noted that the debate demands a "search together" with mutual respect, "as human beings and in that case as American citizens and citizens of the state of Illinois, as well as Catholics."
Lastly, he emphasized: "The Church teaching on each one of those issues is very clear.”
The senator has announced that he would decline the award, and Cardinal Cupich made a further statement about it.
No interference in the London trial
Asked about the appeal trial of the “London building” that opened on September 22, Leo XIV spoke for the first time about this sprawling financial case, which saw the conviction in the first instance of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, former substitute of the Secretariat of State, in 2023.
“The trial must continue,” he commented, stating that he had “no intention of interfering” in the course of Vatican justice.
The Pope then returned to the Vatican. However, he will be back this Wednesday afternoon to participate in a meeting on climate justice with religious and political leaders, including former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
