Theologically Pope Leo promises to follow his mentor Francis. He will minimize the Culture War; press strongly on geopolitical issues; lean heavily into "synodality" (a word that makes me sick to my stomach!) This is, to put it nicely, a "thin," mediocre, accommodationist Catholicism. But I like and admire him strongly! This despite my view that the primary task of the pope is to teach us, theologically.
I like him because he is manly. I think this is, unconsciously, why the Cardinals chose him.
In the buildup to the Conclave, he led several consultative sessions. I understand that he conducted these sessions in such a sober, calm, decisive, intelligent and self-effacing manner that the Cardinals were charmed. His style, manner deportment is admirably masculine.
He does not talk too much. His few words are well-chosen, to the point, sober, judicial, objective.
He is not full of himself. There is no cult of personality about him. He is about business. He is NOT narcissistic.
He is not emotional. He does not dislike this group or that group. He does not vent feelings. He is calm, objective like a judge. He is himself a canon lawyer, a man of the law, an institutionalist in the best sense. In that sense he is a striking contrast with Francis who never tired of railing against legalism.
He is a holy priest; a man of prayer; one close to the heart of Jesus, mystically and pastorally in his love for the sheep. This could also be said of Francis.
Neither are first rate theologians, not even comparable to Pius XII, John XXIII, or Paul VI much less John Paul and Benedict.
Leo radiates an interior serenity, a stability, a joy, a reassuring calmness. This comes from an interior humility and a closeness to God.
In this he is an exquisite father figure. Even though he is in important issues my own theological adversary, I trust him. I am reassured by him. I am confident he will listen to both sides of an issue. I know he will do what he thinks is best.
He is genuinely a man of peace, urgent to reconcile those at war, including within the theological community.
As an American he is a pragmatist, a man of action, a doer of deeds. He is an experienced administrator who will steady a Vatican prone to volatility, corruption and greed.
I have known so many priests like him, especially in Maryknoll but also diocesan priests. Not intellectuals, but intelligent and well-informed. Balanced. Pastoral. Practical. Prayerful. Steady.
Our world desperately needs men like Leo at every level: every parish, family, nation, organization.
The crisis in virility (Fleckinstein never tires of chanting) is the defining catastrophe of our age.
This has been made worse by our two recent Presidents: Biden and Trump. In contrasting ways, they are scandalous, effete, narcissistic, idolatrous, depraved, contemptuous.
The response to Charlie Kirk indicates a craving for the restoration of masculinity.
By virtue of who he is, how he carries himself, Leo is such a restoration.
May God richly bless him with even more Christlike Virility!
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