Pope Leo XIV is marking one year since his historic election, making the transition from a low-profile cardinal to one of the most recognizable figures on the planet.His election led to something previously thought impossible: an American pope. But his pontificate has witnessed an historic period of tension between the White House and the Vatican, with the Augustinian friar taking office just a few months after President Donald Trump’s re-election.Those who know the pope well say he remains the same person despite the monumental changes of the last 365 days. “We don’t see great differences,” Rev. Joseph Farrell, prior general of the Augustinian Order and friend of the pope, told CNN. “It still is a bit unbelievable to see him (as pope) and yet it makes so much sense. As one of our friars said to me: ‘it looks like he went to pope school.’”AdvertisementAdvertisementAnd Leo still has his sense of humor. Another friend and Augustinian friar, Rev. Tom McCarthy, said that after his election he gave Leo a hug, but asked afterward if he should have done that. “They were about to shoot you!” the pope joked.So, after 12 months in office, what have we learned about the first American pope?1. He’s unafraid of speaking up – even if it irritates TrumpPope Leo XIV responds to questions regarding US President Donald Trump’s recent statements during the flight to Algeria on April 13, 2026 in Algiers, Algeria. – Matteo Pernaselci/Vatican Media/Getty ImagesLeo XIV’s style is measured and deliberate and, as a mathematician, he takes a process-oriented approach to solving problems. He is also more formal in dress and style than his predecessor Pope Francis, who was more of a disruptor willing to break with protocol.However, Leo does follow Francis when it comes to speaking out on immigration, the environment, poverty and capital punishment. His years in Peru serving among some of its poorest communities have given him a strong sense of social justice. He’s described the treatment of immigrants in the US as “inhuman,” while recently calling for the abolition of the dea …
