Pope Leo will keep Pope Francis' signature policies to welcome gay Catholics, discuss women's ordination but is not planning big changes to church teaching, the pontiff says in his first interview.
Leo, who became the first US pope in May, also expressed concern about the political environment in the US and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.Â
But showing characteristic reserve compared to his predecessor, Leo shied away from directly criticising US President Donald Trump or from saying that Israel has committed genocide.
The interview was conducted at the end of July for a biography being published by Penguin Peru.
"I don't plan to get involved in partisan politics," said Leo, who was raised in Chicago. "There are significant issues that can be raised, but it would be impossible for the pope to get involved in individual countries around the world."
Leo likewise repeated Francis' firm condemnation of the sexual abuse scandals that have afflicted the 1.4-billion-member church across the world, but also expressed concern about false allegations against priests.
Leo, 70, has shown a more reserved style than his predecessor, who often gave interviews, spoke frankly about world events and sharply criticised both Trump and Israel.
Francis, who led the Church for 12 years, suggested in late 2024 that Israel might be committing genocide in Gaza, drawing a backlash from Israeli leaders.
In the interview, Leo said he had "great concern" for the situation in Gaza.
"The word genocide is being thrown around more and more," he said. "The Holy See does not believe that we can make any declaration at this time about that."
Leo also said he had not yet spoken with Trump but indicated that he had raised concerns about the administration's crackdown on migrants when he met with US Vice President JD Vance in May.
"I talked about human dignity and how important that is for all people, wherever you're born," Leo said about that meeting.
"Obviously, there's some things going on in the States that are of concern," he added. "We continue to look for ways to at least respond and raise some of the questions that need to be asked."
Francis approved a landmark agreement with China in 2018 that gives government officials some input into papal appointments there.
Some conservative Catholics have criticised the deal as giving China too much influence, but Vatican officials stress the Pope retains final decision-making power.
On the abuse scandals, which have damaged the church's standing as a moral voice, Leo said that victims "must be treated with great respect and with an understanding that those who have suffered ... carry those wounds for their entire life".
Leo said he would maintain Francis' openness toward both women's leadership in the church and LGBT Catholics, but did not suggest further steps forward.
"The topic becomes a hot-button issue when the specific question is asked about ordination," said Leo. "I at the moment don't have an intention of changing the teaching of the church on the topic."