After a quiet start, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, is beginning to assert his voice during his foreign trip to Turkey and Lebanon. Unlike his predecessor, he adopts a more guarded tone while addressing significant issues like climate change and immigration. While praised for his careful messaging, he has yet to take strong, concrete stances on major controversies, which may risk alienating factions within the Church. His approach, marked by a down-to-earth vibe and reliance on scripted speeches, contrasts with the more outspoken style of Pope Francis.



