Pope Leo XIV has launched a blistering attack on Tesla chief executive Elon Musk and extreme wealth concentration in his first media interview since becoming Pontiff.
The American-born Pope expressed alarm at reports that Mr Musk could become the world's first trillionaire.
"Yesterday (there was) the news that Elon Musk is going to be the first trillionaire in the world," the Pope stated in interview excerpts published on Sunday.
"What does that mean and what's that about? If that is the only thing that has value anymore, then we're in big trouble", he added.
The 70-year-old Pontiff highlighted the dramatic expansion in executive compensation, noting that chief executives who earned four to six times more than workers six decades ago now receive 600 times more.
The interview, conducted in late July for an upcoming biography, revealed the pope's concerns about corporate pay structures.
Leo specifically referenced Tesla's compensation package for Musk, which reportedly approaches $1trillion.
The pontiff's remarks came as excerpts from his conversation with Vatican correspondent Elise Ann Allen appeared on the Catholic news website Crux.
Pope Leo made the comments about the Tesla CEO in a rare interview for an upcoming biography
|REUTERS
The conversation marked his first major media appearance since assuming the papacy in May.
Pope Leo, who succeeded Pope Francis, has adopted a more reserved approach to media engagement than his predecessor.
The first ever American Pontiff typically favours prepared statements over spontaneous interviews.
Pope Leo also criticised the United Nations' diminished capacity for multilateral diplomacy.
The Tesla CEO could become the world's first trillionaire, drawing the ire of the Vatican
| GETTY"Unfortunately, it seems to be generally recognized that the United Nations, at least at this moment in time, has lost its ability to bring people together on multilateral issues," he said.
The Pontiff acknowledged the steep challenges of transitioning from spiritual leader to global statesman.
"The totally new aspect to this job is being thrown onto the level of world leader," Leo explained.
"I'm learning a lot and feeling very challenged, but not overwhelmed. On that one I had to jump in on the deep end of the pool very quickly."
Pope Leo admitted he found his pastoral duties more natural than diplomatic responsibilities.
Pope Leo became the first American Pope, however shied away from regular media appearances
| REUTERSThe former Robert Prevost said he had swiftly adapted to shepherding the global Catholic community but found international diplomacy more demanding.
"There's still a huge learning curve ahead of me," he acknowledged.
The Pontiff also discussed his hopes for resolution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which has raged for three years.
The interview coincided with Pope Leo's 70th birthday celebrations at the Vatican on Sunday.
Pope Leo XIV attends commemoration after the interview
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Crowds in St Peter's Square displayed multilingual birthday banners and balloons during his midday blessing."My dears, it seems you know today I have turned 70," Pope Leo told the cheering faithful.
"I thank the Lord, my parents and all those who remembered me in their prayers."
The Pope later led an ecumenical service honouring contemporary martyrs.
At 69 when elected in May, he became the youngest pontiff since John Paul II's election in 1978.
Pope Leo XIV marked his birthday with a celebration in St Peter's Square
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Discussing the Pope's comments about Musk on GB News Breakfast, Dawn Neesom said: "It's a bit rich coming from the Catholic Church.
"That's one of the richest organisations on Earth."
Actor Christopher Biggins said: "I know, but I mean, I think he lives quite frugally. I think that's where his statement about Musk is coming from."
Host Eamonn Holmes said he thought the Pope's comments made Mr Musk look like a "Bond villain".