Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has fire back at Pope Leo XIV after criticism about his proposed 1 trillion compensation package. Pope Leo say that such extreme wealth concentration could be ethically question, especially when so many workers earn much less. Musk reply by quoting a Bible verse, making the debate more about values and faith.

The controversy start when the Pope, in a media interview, raised the possibility that Musk might become the world’s first trillionaire, and ask what that mean for society and inequality. Musk’s pay plan tie to performance metrics at Tesla like vehicle deliveries, earnings and new technology. He would only earn full compensation if Tesla reach all those target over the years.

Musk’s scripture quote have spark wide reactions. Some people support his claim that striving and achieving is part of bigger purpose, and they see the Bible verse as a strong comeback. But others say the response skip the main issue of wealth inequality, especially the difference between corporate pay and average worker salary.

Economists, religious thinkers and ethic experts are now in debate: does quoting scripture really answer moral questions, or just deflect from them? Tesla’s board say the plan is fair because of ambitious goals and innovation promise. Critics, however, worry that such huge compensation could break public trust if people see it as not balanced. This debate likely will continue as Musk’s plan move ahead and people check both his performance and responsibility.