ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — In a revealing airborne press conference returning from his inaugural journey to Turkey and Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV offered unprecedented insight into his spiritual mindset during the pivotal conclave that elevated him to the papacy. The pontiff described experiencing profound resignation to divine will as voting momentum shifted in his favor.
“I took a profound breath and declared, ‘Here we go Lord. You’re in charge and you lead the way,’” Leo recounted to journalists during the thirty-minute dialogue conducted effortlessly in English, Spanish, and Italian.
The pontiff’s commentary extended beyond personal reflection to address pressing geopolitical matters. He advocated for diplomatic engagement over military threats regarding Venezuela, hinted at confidential discussions concerning Hezbollah and Israeli tensions in Lebanon, and outlined ambitious travel agendas targeting African and South American nations in coming years.
Demonstrating increased media comfort compared to earlier appearances, Leo displayed self-aware humor regarding journalistic interpretations of his expressions. “My facial features are remarkably expressive, yet I frequently find amusement in media analyses attempting to decipher my thoughts,” he noted with laughter. “Your deductions aren’t invariably accurate.”
The pope recommended Brother Lawrence’s seventeenth-century spiritual work “The Practice of the Presence of God” as essential to understanding his worldview. This theological framework of complete surrender to divine guidance, he explained, sustained him through Peru’s terrorist conflicts and unexpected clerical appointments.
Reflecting on the remarkable four-ballot election that established him as history’s first American pope, Leo acknowledged: “I reconciled myself to the emerging reality when electoral trends became evident.” Addressing a retiring journalist, he wistfully noted: “Merely one or two years past, I similarly contemplated eventual retirement. Some of us must persist in our labors.”
The pontiff characterized encounters with enthusiastic young Catholics as “awe-inspiring,” interpreting their presence as seeking Christ and peace rather than mere papal spectacle. He expressed hope to perpetually appreciate youthful spiritual energy.
Regarding international policy, Leo encouraged the United States to employ economic pressure and dialogue rather than military threats toward Venezuela. He anticipates visiting Algeria—significant for Christian-Muslim relations and Augustinian heritage—during a 2025 African journey, with Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru targeted for 2026-2027 Latin American visits.