Three months into his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV has adopted a markedly different style to his predecessor, Pope Francis, drawing on his Augustinian background of unity, listening and collaboration. The first American pope and first from the Augustinian order, the former Cardinal Robert Prevost has restored some Vatican traditions that Francis had set aside, such as living in the Apostolic Palace and using less modest transport.
Unlike Francis’s spontaneous gestures and swift appointments, Leo has moved cautiously. He has held numerous audiences as a way to listen, but has not yet made any top appointments. Author Christopher White described him as “a quiet manager” who “keeps his cards close to his chest”. His surprise visit to the Augustinian headquarters shortly after his election revealed a more relaxed side, as he assured his fellow brothers: “I will never give up being your brother.”
Geopolitically, Leo has been quick to assert himself. He has twice met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and spoken by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reiterating the Vatican’s offer to host peace talks. On Gaza, he has condemned Israel’s “indiscriminate use of force” and the “barbarity” of its military actions, even after a call from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Vatican journalist Marco Politi noted that Leo’s clear denunciation signals a continuity of Vatican support for Palestinian rights.
In his inaugural homily, Leo emphasised that the pope “is not a lone leader or a leader placed above others”, a philosophy he has demonstrated by delegating to senior cardinals. His low-key approach marks a stark contrast with Francis, often seen as divisive and hasty, despite sharing similar progressive views.
