Pope Leo XIV will head off on holiday Sunday after a measured first two months at the helm of the Catholic Church, marked by a push to restore unity and reaffirm tradition following the unconventional papacy of his predecessor.
Described by Vatican insiders as “prudent,” “methodical” and “attentive,” the first American pontiff has taken a notably cautious path since his election on May 8, succeeding Argentina’s Pope Francis.
While Francis captured global admiration with his charismatic, reformist approach over a transformative 12-year papacy, he also stirred deep internal divisions. In contrast, Pope Leo has stepped deliberately, favoring continuity and stability over sweeping change, and reviving many of the church’s longstanding customs in the process.
On the all-important symbols, Leo has returned to wearing the traditional red mozzetta – a short cape – and stole over his white papal robes.
He will take a summer break from July 6 to 20 at the papal palace at Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome, a longtime country residence for pontiffs that Francis declined to use.
