EPISTLES

How should we see Pope Leo XIV as Catholics? There will be many commentaries out there coming from different sides. This is my personal reflection as a Catholic trying to maintain a balanced stance.

First of all, we should thank God that the Church has a pope. In times of confusion and division, the existence of a visible head of the Church remains a great grace and source of unity for Catholics throughout the world. We should also appreciate that Pope Leo XIV has so far been more cautious in both words and actions compared to Pope Francis. His tone is calmer, his public statements are usually more measured, and he generally avoids the highly spontaneous style that often created controversy during the previous pontificate.

I also acknowledge the more dignified presentation of the papacy under Pope Leo XIV. The use of more traditional vestments, stronger ceremonial symbolism, and visible gestures of continuity with older papal customs are appreciated by many who long for greater reverence in the life of the Church. These things are not meaningless. External signs and symbols matter because Catholicism is not merely a set of abstract ideas, but also visible worship, beauty, and continuity with the past.

However, I also believe these traditional elements remain largely cosmetic while the deeper direction of the Church continues along the same path established under Pope Francis. While the appearance may seem more traditional, the actual governance and appointments often tell a different story. This is where the real concern begins.

My strongest criticism is that Pope Leo XIV has not meaningfully reversed the anti-traditional policies of the previous pontificate. Restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass largely remain in place, and there has been no major restoration of liturgical freedom. Many Catholics expected at least some correction or softening of Traditionis Custodes, but so far those hopes remain largely unmet.

There is also concern about the continued promotion of synodality and the appointment of bishops and officials who are viewed as liberal or modernist in theology and pastoral practice. I argue that one cannot fully promote tradition while simultaneously empowering figures who openly support ideas or approaches that appear to conflict with traditional Catholic teaching and discipline. In my view, beautiful vestments and solemn ceremonies cannot by themselves compensate for confusion in doctrine, governance, or moral teaching.

This is why I do not see the current pontificate as a true restoration, but rather as a continuation of the Francis era with a more careful presentation. The style may be calmer, the language more refined, and the aesthetics more traditional, but many believe the underlying direction remains essentially the same.

As Fr. Charles Murr once said: “Pope Leo is like Pope Francis but with a better tailor.” That line, fairly or unfairly, captures how I currently summarize the first year of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.