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First Year of Pope Leo XIV: The Evolution of a Silent Pope Who Began to Roar After Trump's Attack
🇦🇷 Argentina /Conflict & Security

First Year of Pope Leo XIV: The Evolution of a Silent Pope Who Began to Roar After Trump's Attack

From La Nación · (23m ago) Spanish Mixed tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has completed his first year in office, marked by a cautious and deliberate approach distinct from his predecessor, Pope Francis.
  • Initially perceived as a 'diesel Pope' due to his slow start, Leo XIV has shown an evolution, particularly after facing criticism from former US President Donald Trump.
  • Trump's attacks seemingly galvanized the Pope, leading him to adopt a more assertive stance on peace and the Gospel, drawing global attention and a more prominent public profile.

One year into the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, the Catholic Church finds itself reflecting on a papacy that began with a quiet, almost understated, presence. Unlike his predecessor, Pope Francis, known for his energetic and often provocative style, Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, adopted a measured and prudent approach. This initial 'low-profile' style, characterized by a return to Vatican protocol and a deliberate pace in decision-making, led some observers, like Spanish Vaticanist Darío Menor Torres, to dub him a 'diesel Pope' – one who takes time to warm up but possesses enduring power.

He wants to implement those processes set in motion by Francis, but in his own style, sober, prudent, and gentle.

— Cardinal at the conclaveDescribing Pope Leo XIV's approach to continuing Pope Francis's initiatives.

However, the narrative of a silent pontiff has begun to shift. A significant turning point appears to have been the public confrontation with former US President Donald Trump. Trump's criticisms, which Pope Leo XIV met with a firm declaration of his commitment to the 'Gospel of peace' and a lack of fear towards the Trump administration, seem to have catalyzed a more visible and assertive phase of his papacy. This unexpected 'roaring' has thrust the Pope into the global spotlight, garnering him a level of public attention previously unseen.

A 'diesel Pope'.

— Darío Menor TorresDescribing Pope Leo XIV's initial slow-starting but enduring style.

From an Argentine perspective, as represented by La Nación, this evolution is particularly noteworthy. The contrast with Pope Francis, a fellow Argentine whose papacy was marked by a constant stream of news and a call to 'make a mess,' highlights the distinct leadership styles. Pope Leo XIV's journey from a seemingly reserved figure to a more vocal advocate for peace, spurred by external challenges, demonstrates a unique path to influence. His story underscores that even a pontiff perceived as 'silent' can find his voice and impact the world stage, especially when defending core tenets of his faith against perceived aggressions.

Unlike Jorge Bergoglio, who was known for his spontaneity and impulsivity, who called to 'make a mess,' Prevost has taken his time to start his pontificate.

— Darío Menor TorresContrasting Pope Leo XIV's style with Pope Francis's.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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