Pope Leo Marks Cautious Leadership Shift, Breaks From Francis’ Style

Pope Leo, elected as the first U.S.-born pope in May 2025, has adopted a markedly more deliberative and methodical leadership style compared to his predecessor, Pope Francis. Unlike Francis, who swiftly made notable appointments, announced foreign trips, and chose to live outside the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo has refrained from major decisions in his first month, focusing instead on listening and reflection. He is expected to return to traditional residence in the Apostolic Palace after renovations and is considering a first foreign trip to Turkey. Despite his slower approach, Leo continues to uphold many of Francis' core ideals, including calls for peace in conflict zones like Gaza and Ukraine, while addressing challenges such as the Vatican's budget shortfall and doctrinal debates on issues like LGBT inclusion and women's ordination. As the first American pope, Leo is believed to have a nuanced understanding of the cultural and political polarization affecting the U.S. church, potentially allowing him to better guide U.S. bishops and address global church concerns with greater insight. Observers highlight that his approach emphasizes unity and careful decision-making rather than rapid changes.