The first appearance of Pope Leo XIV was very telling. It was clear that, in terms of style, he was going to be different from his predecessor: he did not appear in white and adhered more closely to protocol. In his speech, there was little room for improvisation.
POPE LEO XIV
This is the peace of the risen Christ, a peace that disarms, humble and persevering.
This idea has been one of his recurring themes. He has repeated it consistently, in front of both politicians and teenagers.
POPE LEO XIV
Let us hope that all of you will always be signs of hope in the world.
And our cry must also be for peace in the world. Let us all say: we want peace in the world. We want peace in the world. Let us pray for peace.
His first decision after the election was very thoughtful: he asked for time to choose his collaborators. With that decision, he provisionally renewed all the Curia positions. In doing so, he prevented the Vatican from coming to a halt.
On doctrinal matters, so far, he has been quite clear. For example, in this meeting with ambassadors accredited to the Holy See, he reaffirmed that marriage is founded on the union between a man and a woman.
Speaking of diplomacy: over the past three months, he has met with more than twenty prime ministers, presidents, or vice presidents, such as J.D. Vance from the United States or the leader of Ukraine, President Zelensky.
He met the latter at the summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, where the Pope went for a period of rest. Pope Francis only visited it once during his entire pontificate.
It’s very emotional. It’s been many years since one has come here.
It seems he likes being close to people. I see that he’s visiting many communities.
It does appear that Pope Leo XIV is approachable. Perhaps not as bold or outspoken as his predecessor, but approachable nonetheless. In Castel Gandolfo, he was seen visiting a nursing home.
Or in Rome, where he made a surprise visit to Bambino Gesù Hospital to embrace the young Spanish boy who was hospitalized during the Jubilee.
It is true that Pope Leo is very attentive to protocol, but he’s also simple and spontaneous. He made numerous surprise visits to the nearby Augustinian curia, like this one here to celebrate the Prior General’s birthday.
There were also other moments where he appeared much more relaxed—for instance, with Italian tennis player, Jannik Sinner.
Three months may not seem like much, but a lot can happen because one final trait of Pope Leo XIV is worth highlighting. His continuity with his predecessors, especially Pope Francis, whom he quotes frequently in his speeches.
JRB
