The Catholic Church enters a new era under Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, who has chosen a markedly different path from that of his predecessor, Pope Francis. While some observers may be surprised by the quiet and measured tone of his first month, those close to him say this style reflects his character and a thoughtful vision for the Church’s future.
According to Reuters, Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost) has “led some two dozen public events” since his election on May 8, 2025. Yet unlike Francis—who by his first month had already made major appointments, chosen to live outside the papal apartments, and formed a council of cardinal advisors—Leo has not announced any significant changes in structure, travel, or residence. As Rev. Mark Francis, a longtime friend of the pontiff, explains, “Leo is taking his time… While he is going to continue in the path indicated by Pope Francis, his disposition is very different.”
This deliberate method is not without purpose. Rev. Anthony Pizzo, another longtime friend of Leo and leader of the Midwest province of the Augustinian Order, says the pope is “someone who listens carefully and seeks to hear many viewpoints before making decisions.” He described Leo’s approach as, “When you first come into leadership, listen well, get to know your constituency… to make a well-informed decision.”
Leo’s preference for reflection over haste comes at a time when the Catholic Church faces enormous challenges: a Vatican budget shortfall estimated at €83 million ($95 million), a severely underfunded pension program, continued scandals of clerical sexual abuse, and complex doctrinal questions on issues like LGBTQ inclusion and women’s ordination. While Pope Francis embraced public engagement and reformist energy early on—famously responding to questions about gay Catholics with, “Who am I to judge?”—Leo has been more reserved, reading from prepared texts and avoiding extemporaneous remarks. As Rev. Francis noted, “He won’t be shooting from the hip like Francis did while speaking with journalists.”
Still, Leo has reaffirmed key themes of continuity. He has praised Francis publicly and echoed his moral appeals for peace in Ukraine and Gaza. According to Reuters, Leo is expected to continue in his predecessor’s path but “with more focus and methodical care.”
Leo, now 69, brings a different life experience to the role. While Francis was a cardinal for over a decade before becoming pope, Leo was elevated to bishop only in 2015 and served as a missionary in Peru for much of his career. Rev. Jorge Martinez Vizueta, who knew Leo during those years, described him as “someone who pays close attention to what people tell him… He listens a lot, even with a certain shyness.”
His first international journey as pope is expected to be to Turkey in November for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a trip previously planned by Francis. While not yet confirmed by the Vatican, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople recently said he had discussed the possibility with Pope Leo.
The early signs of Pope Leo XIV’s leadership suggest a pontificate rooted in discernment rather than immediacy. It is a reminder that while style may shift, the substance of the Church’s mission—seeking truth, building unity, and shepherding 1.4 billion faithful—remains constant.
Hello from the UK.
I thought the question Who am I to judge followed the case of a priest who was found in a lift with a minor.