Pope Leo XIV had an initial one-word response when asked by a reporter on Monday if he had a message for his native United States. It left observers wondering if the pontiff would soon have more to say about President Donald Trump’s policies.

As Pope Leo XIV walked through a crowd at the Vatican on Monday, NewsNation correspondent Robert Sherman asked the new pontiff if he had “any message for the United States.” “Many,” Leo replied with a smile. Then, after a short pause, he added: “God bless you all.”

His one-word answer — “many” — quickly gained traction online. Some observers interpreted it as a nod to the complex challenges facing the U.S., while others noted it echoed themes Pope Leo XIV has addressed in past comments on immigration and moral leadership.