Vatican City, Sep 18, 2025 / 08:30 am

Pope Leo XIV in his first sit-down interview since the beginning of his papacy has revealed his biggest priorities for the Catholic Church, including reducing the level of polarization on hot-button issues such as women deacons and LGBT concerns and a renewed focus on confirming Catholics in the faith and on sharing the Gospel, with the Holy Father prioritizing those religious goals over resolving global crises.

Speaking to Crux senior correspondent Elise Ann Allen, the pontiff gave his perspective on his new role: “For now, because of what I’ve already tried to demonstrate and live out in terms of my understanding of being pope at this time in history, I'm trying not to continue to polarize or promote polarization in the Church.”

Leo’s first formal

See Full Page