For months, members of the Roman Curia, diplomats and Catholic faithful around the world have been watching and waiting, eager for any phrase, gesture, appointment or sign that might reveal the true character of their new pope, Leo XIV. Above all, they want to know what kind of papacy he envisions: Is he the reformist pope that some desire? Or, on the contrary, will he continue the work of his predecessor Francis?

Elected on May 8 by cardinals seeking calm after 12 tumultuous years under Jorge Bergoglio, this American-Peruvian pontiff has been slow to clarify his vision for the Church. To the point of puzzling even the most seasoned observers and, according to several sources in Rome, creating a certain anxiety within the Curia, eager to understand its new sovereign.

However, a few recent statements have shown that Leo XIV may align himself with Francis on several issues. His first major document, the apostolic exhortation published Thursday, October 9 – "Dilexi Te," or "I have loved you" – also points in this direction.

In this 120-page document, he develops the theme of caring for the poorest, a cause dear to his predecessor. Leo believes that Catholic faith is inseparable from caring for the most disadvantaged. According to multiple Vatican sources, the apostolic exhortation was initiated and largely written by Francis, but Leo XIV fully embraced and carried it forward.

You have 78.96% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.