Pope Leo Criticizes CEO Pay Disparities and Questions UN's Effectiveness in New Interview

VATICAN CITY — In excerpts from his first media interview released on Sunday, Pope Leo expressed sharp criticism of corporate pay structures that grant executives significantly higher salaries than their employees, referencing Tesla’s recent $1 trillion compensation package for CEO Elon Musk.

Originally from Chicago, Pope Leo also discussed his time as a missionary in Peru, his approach to the papacy, his views on the United Nations’ current role, and his aspirations for peace amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Demonstrating a more reserved communication style than his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was known for frequent interviews, Pope Leo prefers delivering prepared statements. The interview excerpts were published on a Catholic news platform.

Pope Leo remarked, "CEOs that 60 years ago might have been making four to six times more than what the workers are receiving … 600 times more (now)." He pointed to the news of Elon Musk’s trajectory to becoming the first trillionaire, questioning, "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."

Regarding the United Nations, he voiced concerns over its diminished capacity to facilitate effective multilateral diplomacy. "The United Nations should be the place where many … issues are dealt with," he said. "Unfortunately, it seems to be generally recognized that the United Nations, at least at this moment in time, has lost its ability to bring people together on multilateral issues."

Reflecting on his new role, the pope acknowledged feeling spiritually prepared to guide the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide but less ready for the demands of global diplomatic leadership. "The totally new aspect to this job is being thrown onto the level of world leader," he said. "I’m learning a lot and feeling very challenged, but not overwhelmed. On that one I had to jump in on the deep end of the pool very quickly."