Quiet unifier Pope Leo looks likely to lead buttoned-up papacy

Unlike his fellow countryman, who bestrides the world stage like a blond colossus, the ‘new’ Pope continues to hide his light under a bushel six months in, writes TP O’Mahony

Pope Leo XIV, as an American, is not going to be regarded as a neutral player by the policymakers appears around the likes of Putin and Xi Jinping. Picture: Aaron Chown/PA

Veteran correspondents in the Vatican Press Office will tell you that when a pope is elected, he continues to be referred to as “new” for about 12 months.

During that time, his every move — and especially his every public utterance — is scrutinised for clues as to what type of papacy he embodies.