The Global Story When popes get political
Nov 28, 2025
Edward Sturton, a BBC broadcaster and author specializing in religious affairs, discusses Pope Leo XIV's political engagement. They explore Leo’s first diplomatic gestures, like addressing immigration and climate change, reflecting continuity with Pope Francis. Sturton unpacks historical popes' political roles, from Pius XII during WWII to John Paul II’s impact on communism. He assesses Leo’s potential influence on American politics and the challenges he faces within a divided Church and society.
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Pius XII’s Quiet Diplomacy During WWII
- Pius XII faced intense criticism for not publicly denouncing Nazism despite Vatican efforts to help Jews covertly.
- Edward Sturton argues quiet rescue operations and sanctuary were prioritized over dramatic public condemnation.
John Paul II Cracked The Iron Curtain
- John Paul II used his Polish background to challenge communist inevitability and spark political change.
- Edward Sturton links the Pope's 1979 Polish visit to the rise of Solidarity and weakened Soviet control.
Francis Made Climate A Moral Issue
- Pope Francis reframed Catholic teaching to include environmental and economic morality in global diplomacy.
- Sturton credits Laudato Si' with influencing the Paris climate talks and shifting political debates about capitalism.
