Pope Leo XIV reflects on being the first American pope Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, told NBC News anchor Tom Llamas that he has 'great love for America' but sees his mission as 'pastor of a universal church.' The pope also issued warnings on artificial intelligence, saying some AI weapons are 'practically beyond' human control. Pope Leo to visit La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona on 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death 03:22 Pope Leo issues new warning on artificial intelligence 01:43 Pope Leo warns some AI weapons ‘practically beyond’ human control 01:15 Rubio’s high-stakes meeting with Pope Leo 01:29 Pope Leo: 'Not in my interest' to debate President Trump 01:20 ‘I have the right to disagree with the pope,’ Trump says 02:19 Pope Leo tells NBC News he has ‘no fear’ of the Trump administration 00:40 Trump blasts Pope Leo following criticism over war 01:00 Pope Leo Marks Good Friday With Cross Procession at Colosseum 01:46 Pope Leo celebrates Christmas Mass at the Vatican 03:13 On way home from Lebanon, Pope Leo warns against U.S. incursion into Venezuela 02:32 Thousands Gather in Lebanon for Historic Mass by Pope Leo 01:56 Thousands of young people greet Pope Leo in Lebanon 03:18 Pope Leo warns 'future of humanity is at stake' on his first foreign trip 01:23 Nightly News Pope Leo XIV reflects on being the first American pope 02:15 Copied In a visit with “Nightly News” anchor Tom Llamas, Pope Leo XIV described his role as the first American pontiff. “I have great love for America,” he said. “But I understand my mission as having a very important dimension, which is precisely being pastor of a universal church.”July 29, 2026