What Traditional Catholics need to know about Pope Leo XIV… so far

A quick and admittedly clumsy dive into the background of this newly minted pontiff—the first American pope in the Church’s long history—offered little solace to traditionalists.

Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pope. (Unless you are a Sedevacantist)

As the television cameras swept over the jubilant faces gathered in St. Peter’s Square, still glowing from the first puffs of white smoke curling into the Roman sky, I too felt a swell of emotion—but not of the joyful kind.

Of course, I didn’t expect St. Pius X to miraculously emerge on the Loggia, nor was I under any illusion that a staunch Traditionalist had slipped through the conclave’s careful vetting. Yet, some stubborn flicker of naïve hope still clung to the possibility of a small miracle—something unexpected, even mildly encouraging. Deep down, I knew I was hoping against hope.

When the moment finally came, I felt a mild wave of relief that it wasn’t Cardinal Tagle or Aveline stepping forward to greet the world. But neither was I leaping off the couch in triumph. In fact, it took me a few confused, awkward moments to even register who the newly elected pope was—not exactly a figure I’d had on my radar.

A quick and admittedly clumsy dive into the background of this newly minted pontiff—the first American pope in the Church’s long history—offered little solace to traditionalists. Descriptions like “centrist-left,” “moderate-to-progressively moderate,” “pastoral realist,” and “sympathetic to synodality” popped up with wearying consistency. Even more unsettling were the reports of his conspicuous silence on issues that many of us consider gravely urgent.

(It also didn’t help to find out that he was “Fr”. James Martin’s top pick for the position!)

Within minutes, a Protestant friend of mine texted: “Are you OK?” The fact that even my Protestant friends could immediately sense the underwhelming nature of this moment for us was strangely comforting.

He followed up with: “Out of 10?”

I sent back a facepalm emoji and replied, “Hopeful 4.” And, if I’m honest, both the “hopeful” and the “4” were the products of conscious charity and generous rounding.

So, with that in mind, here’s my first, unvarnished impression of the new pontificate—an initial glance while still digesting what has just unfolded.

On May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis, the College of Cardinals elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV—as the new successor of Saint Peter. This Chicago-born Augustinian is known for his long missionary service in Peru and his alignment with many of Pope Francis’ priorities. This latter fact of course does not bode well for traditional Catholics.

While praised in many circles for his “discretion” and diplomatic character, Pope Leo XIV’s career and theological posture raise urgent questions for those faithful to the timeless teachings and traditions of Holy Mother Church.

A Career of Diplomatic Quietude

Leo XIV’s ecclesial résumé is lengthy and seemingly impressive. He entered the Augustinian novitiate in 1977, was ordained in 1982, and spent over two decades in Peru as a missionary, seminary rector, judicial vicar, and ultimately bishop of Chiclayo. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the powerful Dicastery for Bishops—a clear sign of trust and ideological affinity. He was created a cardinal later that year.

Supporters often cite his listening skills, administrative competence, and “moderate” character. As one bishop described after meeting him, he left “a good impression” with “judicious questions.” He has been widely lauded for his reputation for balanced judgment and his ability to work without “pounding his chest.”

But therein lies the danger.

The Silence That Speaks Loudly

While such discretion may endear him to Church bureaucrats and modernists alike, it comes at a grave cost. Cardinal Prevost was largely silent on the doctrinal upheavals under Francis, particularly Amoris Laetitia and Fiducia Supplicans. These documents have caused widespread confusion and scandal—sanctioning, in practice if not in theory, Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried, and offering blessings to same-sex couples.

Prevost supported Amoris Laetitia’s pastoral application and, though less openly enthusiastic, showed tacit approval of Fiducia Supplicans. He has not offered a clear defense of Catholic doctrine on these matters.

Traditional Catholic teaching obliges all faithful—especially those in high office—to profess the truth publicly when it is under attack. Prevost’s failure to do so is not merely a lapse in courage; it may signify something more spiritually dangerous. Canon law and tradition are clear: Silence implies consent. If Prevost does not counteract his past silence with clear profession of faith, that silence becomes complicity.

The Augustinian Pope

Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the Augustinian Order and the first from the United States. In his first address as pope, he spoke of “building bridges,” “dialogue,” “peace,” and “a synodal Church.” He thanked Pope Francis and vowed to carry on his mission. He stressed themes common to the Francis pontificate: inclusion, accompaniment, and missionary outreach.

This sort of rhetoric of course leaves battle-scarred traditionalists with the uneasy feeling that this will be nothing but the continuation of a vision where ambiguity is elevated as pastoral virtue, and the truth remains politely tucked away behind appeals to listening and fraternity.

On a slightly more positive side, on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, he did do the Apostolic blessing and prayers in Latin, wore a more-or-less traditional outfit for his first appearance as pope, and prayed the Ave Maria.

There is of course also his pontifical name, which one would hope is hinting at or signalling some semblance of traditionalism or at least conservatism.

Latin Mass? No Comment.

Prevost’s views on the traditional Latin Mass remain officially undeclared. Some claim his “openness” and “listening” nature might make him a bridge between modernist reformers and more tradition-minded clergy. But vague speculation offers no consolation to those whose parishes have been suppressed, whose faithful have been cast aside, and whose sacred rites are treated as relics of a bygone era.

Although it seems like grasping at straws, unconfirmed reports claim that he does say the Traditional Latin Mass in private.

Scandals in the Shadows

Pope Leo XIV also brings with him questions regarding past abuse scandals. During his tenure as provincial in Chicago and later as bishop of Chiclayo, there were multiple instances involving priests accused of serious crimes.

In one Chicago case, a priest convicted of abuse was allowed to remain at a priory near a school. Though Prevost’s defenders claim he was not responsible, the incident stains his record. More recently, while bishop in Peru, Prevost reportedly handled abuse allegations involving three girls and two priests. Though an initial investigation was opened and referred to the Vatican, media reports in 2025 alleged a $150,000 payout to the victims—described as a hush payment—casting doubt on the transparency of the process.

This matter, dubbed “the stone in the shoe” by InfoVaticana, may yet grow into a scandal that undermines his pontificate, if not addressed with full transparency and justice.

The Path Forward for the Faithful

As traditionalist Catholics, we have no obligation to automatically applaud every act or word of a pope, especially when those acts and words do not align with sacred tradition. Our loyalty is first to Christ and His unchanging truth—not to novelty, not to policy, and certainly not to personality cults.

Pope Leo XIV’s track record—of discretion in the face of error, of proximity to a pontificate marked by doctrinal confusion, and of administrative handling of abuse allegations—demands vigilance from the faithful.

Unless and until Pope Leo XIV speaks clearly and faithfully on the great moral and doctrinal crises of our time, and unless he defends the Church’s sacred traditions with conviction, his silence will continue to speak louder than any homily, gesture, or blessing.

I also want to hang on to the following slivers of hope. Pope Benedict XVI, a modernist, did have a slight change of heart and gave us Summorum Pontificum and lifted the excommunication of the SSPX bishops. Yes, it is cold comfort but anything could happen. There is also the case of Pope Pius IX, Leo XIII’s predecessor, who started out as an anti-tradition, arch-liberal but turned into a lion of tradition.

Let us hope, it is early days.

Meanwhile, let us pray for the new pope, as we must, but let us not be deceived. The Church needs not a “bridge-builder,” but a confessor of the truth, a defender of the flock, and a pope who will restore all things in Christ.

Ave Christus Rex!

Recognise & Resist!

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