Summary
Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis in April 2023 at age 70, has chosen a leadership style centered on listening and gradual reform. John L. Allen Jr., a former Vatican journalist who died last year, described the new pope as a skilled listener who preferred understanding over abrupt change. One of his first significant appointments was to bring continuity by choosing Archbishop Roberto Maria Redaelli as secretary of the Dicastery for the Clergy in January 2023. Known for his role as president of Caritas Italia and involvement with the Delicta Riservata commission, Redaelli’s appointment underscores Leo XIV’s preference for canonists. The new pope has chosen key positions based on competence and tradition rather than ideology or personal connections. Unlike Pope Francis who often focused on peripheral issues, Leo XIV emphasizes traditional structures while maintaining a connection to the past.
Key Topics
Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV, Bishops appointment
