One year into his historic pontificate, the American pope navigates complex geopolitical tensions while reshaping the Vatican’s global image and internal reforms.
The American pope has completed one year in office, marking a historic transition from a low-profile cardinal to a globally recognized figure. Since his election, which followed President Donald Trump’s re-election, his pontificate has been defined by unprecedented diplomatic tension between the White House and the Vatican.
Despite the monumental shift in status, those closest to him insist his core character remains unchanged. Rev. Joseph Farrell, prior general of the Augustinian Order, noted that Leo remains the same person, describing the transition as feeling like someone who had simply "gone to pope school." Friends recall that he retains his sense of humor, joking with friars about the risks of election day with the quip, “They were about to shoot you!”
Pope Leo XIV’s leadership style is distinct from his predecessor, Pope Francis. A mathematician by training, Leo employs a deliberate, process-oriented approach to problem-solving. He is also more formal in his dress and protocol adherence. However, on critical social issues, his positions align closely with Francis. Drawing on his years serving impoverished communities in Peru, Leo maintains a strong commitment to social justice. He has condemned the treatment of immigrants in the US as “inhuman” and recently called for the abolition of the capital punishment.
His forthright stance on global conflicts has sparked an unprecedented clash with the US presidency. During a recent trip to Africa, Leo boldly stated that the world is being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants” and railed against corruption. He took the unusual step of naming Trump in his speeches and denouncing any religious justification for conflict, particularly regarding the Iran war.
Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago explained that the pontiff remains unfazed by the barrage of attacks. “He doesn’t see himself as a rival to any head of state,” Cupich stated, adding that Leo’s mission is to offer a perspective beyond any single nation. The cardinal noted that frustration is a luxury the pope cannot afford, emphasizing that Leo will “do what’s right” without hedging his bets.
The last twelve months have brought a distinctly US vibe to the Vatican. Leo, a passionate Chicago White Sox fan, has been seen in the popemobile bantering about baseball results and wearing a White Sox cap. During his first foreign visit, which coincided with Thanksgiving, he accepted pumpkin pies mid-flight. In St. Peter’s Square, he has accepted slices of deep-dish pizza and his favorite candy, Peeps.
A significant novelty is that Leo speaks English as a mother tongue, a rarity for popes in centuries. His mid-western accent allows his words to have a greater impact on Anglophone audiences. Additionally, Leo is digitally astute. He is the first pontiff comfortable using a smartphone and an Apple Watch, and he writes his own emails. His brother, John Prevost, shared that Leo helped him recover access to his computer after being locked out. Leo is also media-savvy, once joking with reporters, “You think you can read my mind or face. You are not always correct.”
While continuing Pope Francis’s vision of an inclusive Church, Leo is also advancing the work of the Second Vatican Council. He has subtly reframed discussions on morality, suggesting that issues like justice, equality, and freedom of religion take priority over purely sexual morality. Regarding clerical abuse, Leo has met regularly with survivors, insisting on “no tolerance for any form of abuse in the Church.”
His influence is also visible in the US Church hierarchy. Three of his first four US bishop appointments were born outside the country, including Bishop Michael Pham, a refugee from Vietnam, and Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, an immigrant advocate. These choices reinforce his belief that new arrivals strengthen their new home when welcomed.
His pontificate has coincided with a resurgence of interest in Catholicism, particularly among Gen Z in the US and Europe. Some attribute this to a “Leo effect,” noting a boost in young men joining the Augustinian order. At 70, Leo is younger than his immediate predecessors, allowing him to play the long game.
Pope Leo XIV’s first year establishes a foundation for a Catholic Church that is both digitally connected and culturally accessible to Americans. His emphasis on peace and social justice, even amidst political friction, suggests a continued independent stance on global issues. As his encyclical on artificial intelligence approaches, his tech-savvy approach may further bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. The growing interest in his faith, driven by his relatable demeanor and moral clarity, indicates a potential long-term revitalization of Catholic engagement, particularly among younger demographics seeking stability in uncertain times.
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