Known for his fluency in Spanish and Italian and his centrist approach, Pope Leo is considered a bridge between tradition and progress. In his first address from St. Peter’s Basilica, he greeted the crowd with: “Peace be with you.”

Charities and clergy have praised his commitment to social justice and his humility. “The bishop is not supposed to be a little prince,” he once said, “but called authentically to be humble… to walk with [the people].”