A discreet but firm Pope

For now, his leadership is emerging as that of a prudent shepherd, more focused on preserving ecclesial unity than on upsetting the powerful or reconfiguring the Church's public role. José Luis Ramírez Vargas, a specialist in religions, gives a brief overview of the American Pontiff. "He is a Pope who has had to inherit a divided Church and has understood that his mission, for now, is to unite the different forces and tendencies. His calm, not at all impassioned character or temperament helps him achieve that goal." Obviously, says Ramírez, there will always be "radicals" who will accuse him of being "conservative," although he does not believe he identifies with the latter. He gives an example: He named Saint John Newman, a famous convert from the Anglican Church in the second half of the 19th century, whom Pope Leo XIII had named a Cardinal, a Doctor of the Church.

Pope Leo XIV's term at the head of the Catholic Church could be characterized by discretion, indicates researcher Rixio Portillo, an academic at UDEM and author of the book El éxito de Francisco. La Iglesia tras el Pontificado de Jorge Mario Bergoglio (2020). "I believe discretion is part of his personality. That is the trait he will impose on his Pontificate, but with results." He has acted in a simple manner, but with great depth in the burden of the things he says, does and writes: in the appointments, their relevance... with that simplicity that we are seeing and that characterizes him. "These have been complex times, much more turbulent and, evidently, the panorama is not easy for him," says Portillo. "It seems to me that the Pope's actions have been discreet publicly." The Pontiff, he points out, has shown himself to be against the surrender of Ukraine in its war with Russia, and has even expressed the possibility of a negotiation in the Vatican between the leaders of both countries.

In the conflict between Israel and Gaza, he points out, the Holy See has always recognized both states since John Paul II. Regarding migrants - a central issue in President Donald Trump's policy - he believes that Leo XIV has inherited many positions from Pope Francis. "The choice of his name, Leo XIV, in continuity with Leo XIII, shows that he is a man of social sensitivity and, therefore, he will maintain the same line as Francis on migration. "There is still a long time to see what will happen, key appointments that we are still waiting for and perhaps key words. For example, the decision of what the destination of his first trip will be," he adds.

For Mercedes Jaime de Fernández, an advocate for incarcerated people for over 40 years, Pope Leo XIV has maintained a cautious stance, avoiding giving speeches just to gain sympathy or followers. "He's really seeing what's happening. He's not jumping the gun, which I think is very important, because people often jump the gun and make you imagine things," says the activist. "And he tells you the truth. I feel like he's a realist." She believes that in his three months as Pontiff, he has been clear. He is not a Catholic leader who seeks to impose paths. "I don't hear him as someone who seeks to impose things," she indicates.

Consuelo Bañuelos, founder of the association Promoción de Paz and member of the Women's Council of the Archdiocese of Monterrey, affirms that the missionary experience of Leo XIV allows him to have a global perspective, with understanding and empathy for what is happening in the world. "It is too soon to give him a title like 'Pilgrim Pope,' like John Paul II," she comments. "But I would say that he is a 'peacebuilder' Pope, because he is trying to build those bridges between one country and another, between one group and another, in order to build, then, a more peaceful world." However, she points out that an important part of his messages are more directed towards working for inner peace, which is fundamental to being reflected in the relationships between people, groups and countries. "He also pays special attention to what is happening inside people. I am convinced that peace for everyone is initially built from personal peace."

Juan Gerardo Garza, professor emeritus at Tec, points out that the current Pope faces a great challenge because he has to lead the Church in a difficult time with fewer faithful, as well as wars and other socioeconomic conflicts. "The great challenge for a Pope like Leo XIV is to rescue the human being, the indispensable dimension of spirituality," indicates the founder of the Center for Ethical Values ​​at the Tecnológico de Monterrey. "There are a whole series of recommendations that he has made," mentions Garza, "forgiveness, charity, hope, affection for others. It is there in his speech. "I would highlight his simplicity, his humility and his closeness to people to rescue the value of the human being," he affirms.

- Pope Leo XIV recalls Hiroshima and Nagasaki as a warning against war and calls for replacing the threat of destruction with dialogue. He calls for a renewal of justice and global brotherhood.

- Expresses its profound sorrow at the Israeli attack on the Holy Family Parish in Gaza and demands an immediate end to the barbarity in the Strip.

- The Pope meets with Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, to discuss the conflict with Russia. They both agree on the urgent need for a just and lasting peace.

- Leo XIV receives Javier Milei, President of Argentina. During the meeting, he emphasizes the importance of combating poverty and the value of social cohesion as a foundation for development.

- In his first speech to diplomats, the Pope defends the dignity of migrants. He calls for a halt to arms production and a priority for global peace.