Vatican City (AFP) — Faced with a highly polarized US 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 United States President Donald Trump’s administration.

He has denounced the “inhuman” treatment of migrants, urged dialogue in Venezuela and lamented a “diplomacy of force.”

But, in recent weeks, Leo has favored restraint.

He has made no reference to a possible US intervention in Iran, nor to Trump’s designs on Greenland, nor to the volatile situation in Minneapolis after two protesters were shot by federal agents.

His weekly statements carefully avoid these subjects, while his Tuesday evening comments to the press outside his Castel Gandolfo country residence have become increasingly rare.

He briefly broke his silence on Sunday to voice “great concern” about rising tensions between Cuba and the United States, calling on all sides to “avoid violence.”

“Leo is very cautious. He knows his voice is universal. As an American, he is somewhat the natural opponent of Trumpism,” a Vatican source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

“On the United States, he’s walking on eggshells.”