If you tuned into the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica recently, you might have been caught off guard. You're expecting a specific sound, right? Maybe that soft, rolling Argentinian Spanish we got used to for a decade with Francis, or the precise, academic German-inflected tones of Benedict.
But things changed fast.
The man standing there now is Pope Leo XIV. He’s the first American to ever hold the keys, and honestly, his voice is a bit of a trip for the ears. He’s a Chicago native, born Robert Francis Prevost, but if you expect him to sound like he’s ordering a deep-dish pizza at a Windy City dive bar every time he opens his mouth, you’re in for a surprise.
So, what language is the new pope speaking? The answer is a weird, wonderful mix that tells the story of a guy who spent a third of his life in the U.S., a third in the mountains and cities of Peru, and the rest in the halls of the Vatican.
The Three Pillars: English, Spanish, and Italian
Basically, Leo XIV is a powerhouse polyglot. Unlike some of his predecessors who learned languages out of a textbook to be "diplomatic," Leo’s languages are "lived-in." He doesn't just speak them; he lives in them.
👉 See also: Otay Ranch Fire Update: What Really Happened with the Border 2 Fire
1. The Chicago Connection (English)
Yes, he speaks English. It’s his mother tongue. But here’s the kicker: he doesn't use it as much as you’d think. When he does, it’s got that unmistakable Midwestern flatness—a "Chicago-style" English that feels incredibly grounded. If you caught his video address to the White Sox fans back home, you heard it. It’s authentic.
But there’s a bit of a political dance happening here. Some Vatican watchers, like Robert Mickens, have pointed out that Leo often sticks to Italian even when addressing global audiences. Why? Because there’s a real fear in the Curia that if he speaks too much English, he’ll look "too American." In the world of the Catholic Church, being seen as a "tool" of American soft power is a big no-no.
2. The Peruvian Heart (Spanish)
This is where it gets interesting. Before he was the Pope, Robert Prevost was a missionary in Peru. He didn't just visit; he stayed. He’s actually a dual citizen of Peru and the U.S.
When he speaks Spanish, it isn't the formal, "theological" Spanish you might expect. It’s fluid. It’s pastoral. He spent years as the Bishop of Chiclayo. When he switches to Spanish, he’s not just translating his thoughts; he’s tapping into a different part of his soul. For the nearly 40% of the world's Catholics who live in Latin America, this makes him one of their own, despite the Illinois birth certificate.
✨ Don't miss: The Faces Leopard Eating Meme: Why People Still Love Watching Regret in Real Time
3. The Language of the Job (Italian)
Since his election on May 8, 2025, Italian has become his "daily driver."
As the Bishop of Rome, the Pope is expected to speak the language of his diocese. Leo’s Italian is excellent—refined by decades of living in Rome as the Prior General of the Augustinians and later working in the Dicastery for Bishops. He uses it for almost all his official Wednesday audiences and Sunday Angelus prayers.
What About the "Dead" Languages?
We can’t talk about a Pope without mentioning Latin. You’ve probably heard the rumors that Latin is "out." While it’s true that Pope Francis moved away from using Latin as the primary language for big meetings (synods), Leo XIV is a bit of a bridge-builder.
He’s a Doctor of Canon Law. You don't get that degree without being able to read Latin like a pro. His motto—In illo Uno unum (In that One, they are one)—is a nod to his Augustinian roots and his comfort with the ancient tongue. While he isn't trying to drag the Church back to 1950, he respects the precision of Latin for legal and theological heavy lifting.
🔗 Read more: Whos Winning The Election Rn Polls: The January 2026 Reality Check
The Surprise Languages
Beyond the "Big Three," Leo XIV has a few tricks up his sleeve that most people don't know about.
- Portuguese: Essential for engaging with Brazil, the country with the largest Catholic population on earth.
- French: The traditional language of diplomacy. He’s functional here, though maybe not as poetic as Benedict XVI was.
- German: He can navigate it, though like Francis, he likely wouldn't claim to be a master of it.
Why Does It Matter?
Language in the Vatican isn't just about communication; it's about power and presence.
When Leo XIV visited Lebanon and Türkiye recently, he didn't just stick to a script. He tried to bridge the gap between the Western "superpower" English and the local sensitivities. By favoring Italian and Spanish, he’s telling the world: "I am a pastor of the global church, not just a guy from Chicago."
It’s a balancing act. If he speaks too much English, he alienates the Global South. If he speaks only Italian, he loses the chance to speak directly to the massive Anglophone world.
What You Should Watch For
If you’re following his papacy, pay attention to the context of when he switches.
- At the Vatican: Usually Italian. It shows respect for the local Roman culture.
- During International Trips: Expect a mix. In Spain or Latin America, he’ll be almost exclusively in Spanish.
- In Informal Moments: This is where the "Chicago Bob" comes out. When he meets families—like he did recently with the victims of the Crans-Montana fire in Switzerland—he often drops the formal cadence for a more direct, simple English or Spanish to offer comfort.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
- Listen to the Accent: Next time there’s a major papal address, listen for the "r" sounds. Even in his Italian, you can sometimes hear the ghost of a Midwestern accent. It’s a fascinating blend of his American roots and European life.
- Read the Official Transcripts: The Vatican website (vatican.va) usually posts the original language alongside the translation. Look at the "Original" version to see if he’s speaking Italian or Spanish for a specific document—it often signals who the intended "primary" audience is.
- Follow the Travels: Leo is planning a trip to Spain later in 2026, with stops in Madrid and the Canary Islands. Watch how his language shifts there versus his planned trip to Algeria. It’ll tell you everything you need to know about his diplomatic strategy.
The "New Pope" isn't just speaking one language. He’s speaking the language of a globalized, messy, and deeply connected 2026. Whether it’s a Chicago "hello" or a Roman "benedizione," he’s making sure he’s heard in every corner of the pews.