Faced with a highly polarized U.S. political landscape, Leo XIV, the first American pope, has opted for discreet and indirect criticism while also keeping channels of communication open.

Since he was elected in May, the Chicago-born pontiff has taken a clear stand against some decisions by U.S. President Donald Trump¡¯s administration.

He has denounced the ¡°inhuman¡± treatment of migrants, urged dialogue in Venezuela and lamented a ¡°diplomacy of force.¡±