On 8 May, after a two-day conclave, Pope Leo XIV – formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost – was elected to succeed the late Pope Francis as the head of the Catholic Church. His election marked the first Augustinian and US-born Pope. In the nearly two months since, his early actions signal a left-leaning pragmatic approach to foreign policy, demonstrating an intent to separate religious discourse and humanitarian emergencies, attempting to cater to both sides of the political spectrum.
The role of the Holy See is characterised by a “service to humanity”. The Holy See is unique as there is no commercial relationship between itself and other nations, instead acting on “pure diplomacy”, as described by Jesuit priest and Religion News Service analyst Father Tom Reese. However, the Vatican can only enact what other countries agree to. As a result, the Catholic Church is limited in its capacity with a strategy that relies on exerting influence over power.
Following the Second World War, the role of the Pope was predominantly Eurocentric, with pontiffs aligning themselves with political parties to ensure the survival of the Catholic Church in an era of secularism. However, Leo XIV’s predecessor, Francis, “made Catholic diplomacy relevant again”. He pursued a multipolar vision which aimed to preserve “the identities of the peoples” whilst creating unity. His commitment to interfaith collaboration was reflected in trips to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste where he met with other religious leaders on their approach to religious coexistence. After tensions mounted between Sunni Islam authorities and the Vatican in 2011, Francis sought to mend Islamic and Catholic relations through signing a historic document with Grand Imam of al-Azhar Ahmed al-Tayeb in 2019 opposing religious extremism. This also marked the first time a pope had travelled to the Arab Peninsula.
Francis’ philosophy was less institutional and more attuned to the global climate. He named cardinals in conflict areas such as Syria, Jerusalem, a majority Muslim Bangladesh and Buddhist Mongolia. Even nearing the end of his term, Francis had believed that the church was “too Eurocentric” and his legacy of Catholic Church with a “much bigger” reach now lies with Leo XIV.
Leo XIV positions himself as a leader who will straddle both sides of the political spectrum.
In Leo XIV’s first official address, he outlined his vision to continue Francis’ inclusive philosophy through building “bridges with dialogue and encounter” across different identities. This philosophy of being a “bridge” was seen in his offer to host talks between Russia and Ukraine to end the war. He expressed blessings towards the “the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people” in his first Sunday service. However Russia rejected Leo XIV’s offer, claiming that the Vatican is not a serious venue for negotiations.
Whilst Francis deemed Israel’s military actions in Gaza “shameful” in January 2025, Leo XIV spoke in May on continuing the momentum of the “precious dialogue” between Jewish-Catholic relations. In his first general audience two days later, he brought attention back to the “worrying and painful” situation in the Gaza strip, appealing to end the aid blockade and hostilities. This is an indication that the new Pope aims to distinguish theological dialogue from humanitarian emergencies. However, it will take great precision and skill to maintain given that religious justification is often the basis for violence and violence is committed in the name of religious protection.
Leo XIV’s pragmatism extends to relations with his home country. On 19 May the Pope held his first meeting with US Vice President JD Vance despite publicly criticising the Trump administration’s immigration policy on social media during his time as a Cardinal, stating that “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others”.
Leo XIV’s early pragmatism suggests he leans towards Francis’ progressive influence. However, Leo XIV positions himself as a leader who will straddle both sides of the political spectrum, from elevating more women into high-level positions in the Vatican to stating that a family is defined by a union between man and woman and that abortion is evidence of a modern “throwaway culture”. When speaking to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the new Pope told members that Natural Law will be used as an “essential reference point” for international relations. He went on to describe the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a moral compass for action.
Two months into his rule, Leo XIV has secured himself as successor that will continue the inclusive ideologies of Francis. His pragmatic approach to differentiate between religious discussions and humanitarian issues will hopefully preserve the global reach of the Holy See as a body that can be a mouthpiece for diplomacy and maintain respect in the international community.
