The cardinals who elected Pope Leo XIV weren’t looking for a carbon copy of Francis—or for someone who would depart dramatically from Francis in tone and style. They wanted a pastor: a missionary, humble and credible, and a man of deep listening.
Following the conclave, Gerard O’Connell conducted a series of interviews with cardinal-electors from around the world. In this episode, we share these early, candid impressions—brief but revealing insights into how these cardinals see Pope Leo’s emerging pontificate. Gerry notes, “they quickly converged around a candidate they saw as a continuation of Francis, but also bringing something new.”
The cardinals repeatedly mention Pope Leo’s missionary identity, his capacity for deep listening and his humility. But above all, they emphasize his credibility. “Synodality was the last baby born in the Francis pontificate,” Gerry says, “and they want that baby to grow up.”
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Inside the Vatican is a podcast that goes behind the headlines of the biggest Vatican news stories with hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell.
With thanks to America, where this article originally appeared.
