Pope Leo is Coming to America—but Says His Papal Role Is Universal, Not Limited to One Nation

In a July 29, 2026, interview with NBC News, Pope Leo XIV said that he plans to visit the United States, his home country he says he loves. At the same time, he emphasized that his primary mission and identity are not national, but universal. While acknowledging the significance of being the first American Pope, he explained that his role is not defined by his American citizenship. Instead, he said that he is a Pope first and that his identity as an American is secondary to his mission as the leader of the universal Roman Catholic Church.

In other words, the papacy does not see itself as representing the interests of any one nation but as carrying out the worldwide mission of the Vatican and the universal Roman Catholic Church. Pope Leo made it clear that his first allegiance is to the Papal office and its global mission, not to the interests of any particular country, including the United States. By identifying himself as a Pope first, he reaffirmed that the universal Church takes precedence over national identity and that his highest responsibility is to lead the worldwide Catholic Church rather than serve the interests of any single nation.

This is consistent with the description of a beast in Bible prophecy whose influence extends “over every tribe, people, language, and nation” (Revelation 13:7). Although Pope Leo XIV is American by birth, he is affirming that the office of the papacy transcends national boundaries. This is significant because Bible prophecy portrays the beast power of Revelation 13 as exercising worldwide religious influence. Its authority is presented as extending beyond borders, cultures, and governments in its effort to shape the beliefs and practices of the nations.

Scripture foretells of a religious power that will work to unite all the world into a counterfeit unity—one that elevates global harmony above faithfulness to God’s Word. The Book of Revelation, particularly chapters 13–17, describes an end-time system in which religious and political powers converge as one in opposition to God’s will.

“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb…” Revelation 13:8.

“And power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” Revelation 13:7.

“And all the world wondered after the beast.” Revelation 13:3.

“And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings … These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.” Revelation 17:12-13.

“For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Revelation 16:14.

“For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” Revelation 18:3.

“And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse” Revelation 19:19.

Revelation warns that the world will come together to worship the beast and receive his mark. The entire world will embrace the counterfeit gospel along with the counterfeit Sabbath. As the world sinks deeper into disobedience, confusion, and spiritual error, God calls His faithful people to stand boldly and raise the banner of truth high before the world. Our mission is urgent—to proclaim the everlasting gospel and the warnings found in Revelation 14:6-12.