The Pope: too many income gaps, look at Elon Musk. Peace the only way, people must wake up

The Pope, who today turns 70, in an interview with journalist Elise Ann Allen published by El Comercio and Crux, points to "the ever-widening gap between the income levels of the working class and those of the wealthy. For example, CEOs who sixty years ago might have earned four to six times more than today's workers earn six hundred times more than the average worker, according to the latest figures I've seen." "I read the news that Elon Musk is set to become the world's first trillionaire. What does that mean and what is it all about? If this is the only thing of value today, then we are in trouble."

In the interview, speaking about the war between Russia and Ukraine, Prevost added: 'I have raised my voice, the voice of Christians and people of goodwill, saying that peace is the only answer to the killing of people after all these years on both sides, in that particular conflict, but also in other conflicts'. And again: 'Somehow people have to wake up and say: there is another way to do it', to end the conflict. "I think different actors need to put enough pressure on the parties to the conflict to say: enough is enough, let's find another way to resolve our differences."

'I still have a long journey of learning ahead of me'. Thus Pope Leo XIV on his new role as Pontiff. "There is one important part that I feel I have managed without too much difficulty, and that is the pastoral aspect. I am still amazed by the response", "by the involvement of people of all ages". "I appreciate everyone, whoever they are, wherever they come from, and I listen to them," Prevost said in the interview published by El Comercio and Crux. 'The totally new aspect of this job,' Leone explained, 'is being cast at the level of a world leader. It is a very public thing; people know about the phone conversations or meetings I have had with heads of state of various governments and countries around the world, at a time when the voice of the Church has an important role to play. I am learning a lot about how the Holy See has played a role in the diplomatic world for many years' and 'all this is new to me in practical terms. I have followed current affairs for many years. I have always tried to keep up to date with the news, but the role of the Pope is certainly new to me. I am learning a lot and feel stimulated, but not overwhelmed. From this point of view, I had to jump in very quickly."