Pope Leo XIV was questioned this Tuesday by journalists about President Donald Trump’s decision to send 400 National Guard troops to Chicago. The Pontiff’s response was brief and clear:
“I prefer not to comment at the moment on political decisions made within the United States. Thank you very much”.
A Contrast with the Recent Controversy
The statement has not gone unnoticed. It comes just days after the controversy sparked by the Pope’s words justifying Cardinal Blase Cupich’s awarding of Senator Dick Durbin, one of the most radically pro-abortion politicians in the US Congress. On that occasion, Leo XIV asked to value his “40 years of service to the United States”, which generated criticism among the faithful and analysts for the risk of legitimizing a legislator who has systematically promoted laws contrary to life and human dignity.
The contrast between both interventions is evident: if before the Pope chose to justify a highly questionable political gesture, now he chooses to remain silent and reject any comment on internal decisions of US politics.
The Communication Style of the Popes
Although brief, the statement drew attention for the formula used. The Holy Father added a significant “for the moment”, an expression that already seems to have become his usual resource to get out of delicate situations without completely closing the door to future interventions.
The episode reflects a change of style that may be healthy. In recent pontificates, they have been marked by increasing exposure to microphones, with improvised press conferences on airplanes or spontaneous statements in response to incisive questions from journalists. However, on many occasions these interventions have generated confusion and controversies that do little to help the Church’s mission.
Leo XIV’s decision not to enter into internal political debates of a specific country seems like a correction in the right direction. The mission of the Successor of Peter is to confirm in the faith, proclaim the Gospel, and morally guide Catholics, not to engage in divisive and potentially instrumentalized current discussions.
A Lesson in Prudence
Prudence is a necessary virtue in a media world that distorts and amplifies everything. Perhaps the experience of the last weeks has made Leo XIV understand that, more than quick statements, Popes need spaces for serene teaching and clear documents that are not diluted in the immediacy of the news.
Catholics expect from Rome the firm word of the universal Pastor, not opinions on the political situation of the United States or any other country. In that sense, Leo XIV’s “no comment” is already positive news: a gesture of prudence that hopefully marks the course of his pontificate in relation to the media.