Pope Leo XIV Ushers in Era of Cautious Reform as Vatican Faces £66m Deficit

Pope Leo XIV, the first US pontiff, takes a cautious, listening-first approach, sidestepping Francis’ bold style. Can he unify a divided Church and fix Vatican finances? (Credit: Vatican News)

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, in his first month as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church, has taken a markedly different approach from his predecessor, Pope Francis.

Elected on 8 May 2025, the former Cardinal Robert Prevost has prioritised a methodical, low-profile style, focusing on listening rather than swift reforms.