Catholic Minute Pope Leo’s First 6 Months: Concern or Reason for Hope? (Fr Cristino)
Nov 12, 2025
Fr. Cristino Bouvette, a priest and Vatican commentator, shares insights on Pope Leo’s initial months. He recounts his emotional reaction to Leo's election and highlights the pope's pastoral heart revealed through his inaugural words. The discussion touches on Leo's vibrant energy compared to his predecessors and his inclusion of the Latin Mass. Fr. Cristino emphasizes Leo's strategic avoidance of polarizing debates, indicating a focus on coherence in church teachings. He encourages Catholics to embrace love and trust in the pope's Eucharistic devotion.
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First Reactions To Pope Leo's Election
- Fr. Cristino watched the white smoke live while on holiday and initially misidentified the new pope as Cardinal Sarah.
- Seeing Pope Leo weep and speak about his beloved diocese moved him to immediate affection and trust for the new pontiff.
Pope Leo Leading With The Cross
- At a Vatican Jubilee Pope Leo carried a cross and led staff from the audience hall to St. Peter's, with workers following behind him.
- Fr. Cristino saw the procession as a vivid image of a pope led by the cross and shepherding his people.
Avoiding Papal Whiplash
- Fr. Cristino says Pope Francis' style caused hurt by seeming dismissive and near-changing settled teachings.
- He sees Pope Leo deliberately avoiding that disruptive 'whiplash' and restoring steadier papal continuity.