Pope Leo XIV Warns: We’re in Big Trouble If Elon Musk Becomes the First Trillionaire
Fresh from the 2025 conclave, Pope Leo XIV warned that the astronomical and widening gap between the rich and the poor threatens social stability. He cited a future where wealth concentrates in the hands of a few, and the possibility that Elon Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire looms as a stark symbol of that trend. Asked what such a development would mean, the Pope said plainly, “If that is the only thing that has any value any more, then we are in big trouble.”
In This Article:
Crux Interview: The Pope's Warning About the Growing Gap
In July, the Pope spoke with Crux, reflecting on a “continuously wider gap between the income levels of the working class and the money that the wealthiest receive.” He highlighted Elon Musk’s potential trillionaire status as a focal point in this unequal landscape and asked what such a trajectory says about our values. The Pope asked, “What does that mean, and what’s that about?” and warned that if wealth alone is valued, society is in trouble. Weeks after the interview, Tesla’s board proposed a pay package that could be worth around $1 trillion, depending on future performance, further illustrating the scale of that wealth gap.
Echoes of Pope Francis: The Idolatry of Money in Modern Capitalism
The Pope’s remarks echo a line of critique long associated with Pope Francis, who condemned capitalism and the “idolatry of money” shortly after becoming pope in 2013. This continuity shows the church’s ongoing concern with wealth concentration and its impact on communities in a highly monetized, tech-driven world.
Inequality and the AI Wealth Surge: Numbers Behind the Headlines
Global inequality remains a defining issue, and the United States has witnessed its income gap widen for more than 30 years. The richest 0.01% have enjoyed faster income growth, while the bottom 20% have seen comparatively little progress. The top 12,000 households grew almost 27 times as fast as the bottom 20% of earners. The tech industry, powered by artificial intelligence, has minted a new class of billionaires at a record pace—underlining the scale of the shift that the Pope is warning about.
Leo XIV’s Life in the Papacy: Learning on the Job
The 70-year-old Chicago-born pope says he is still adjusting to the responsibilities of the papacy. “I’ve followed current affairs for many, many years,” he notes, but acknowledges that the role is new and challenging. He says he is learning a lot and feeling very challenged, but not overwhelmed. The article underscores his thoughtful, measured approach and points readers to broader conversations about AI and future technologies, signaling a pope who is deeply engaged with today’s affairs.
