Filipino cardinals described newly-elected Pope Leo XIV as a humble, calm, and level-headed leader who brings a quiet strength to the papacy.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who has worked closely with Pope Leo in various Vatican dicasteries, fondly recalled their interactions, which often included light humor and informal exchanges, even during the solemn conclave.

“Kapag nakikita niyo kami magkatabi at nagbubulungan, malamang ay ang pinag-uusapan namin ay ‘nagkape ka na ba?’ ‘Bakit parang inaantok ka?’ Hindi laging serious ‘yun (When you see us seated next to each other whispering, we’re probably talking about, ‘Have you had coffee yet?’ or ‘Why do you look sleepy?’ It’s not always serious),” Tagle said during a post-conclave press conference organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday evening, May 9 (Philippine time).

He also noted Pope Leo’s thoughtful and steady leadership style.

“I should say he is a very level-headed person. Hindi ‘yan ‘yung tao na parang impulse or reaction lang ang nagbibigay ng direksyon sa kanya. Makikinig ‘yan at kung kailangan aaralin niya ang isang bagay. Hindi niya agad-agad sasabihin na may ganitong desisyon. Aaralin muna niya pero pagbalik niya makikita mo malinaw at nakakatulong siya sa discernment ng buong grupo (He’s not the type of person who lets impulses or reactions guide his direction. He listens, and if needed, he will study something. He won’t immediately make a decision. He will study it first, but when he comes back, you will see that it’s clear, and he helps the entire group in its discernment),” Tagle said.

Despite his quiet nature, Pope Leo is known to have a good sense of humor.

“May sense of humor siya. Kapag napatawa siya, ang lakas ng boses (He has a sense of humor. When he laughs, his voice is loud),” Tagle added.

Cardinal Jose Advincula, who worked with Pope Leo during several synods, echoed Tagle’s observations, citing the new pope’s humility and clarity, particularly on matters of canon law.

“He’s very humble, kalmadong-kalmado, and very clear sa kanyang exposition about certain matters, especially on canon law, kasi he is a canon lawyer (He’s very humble, very calm, and very clear in his exposition on certain matters, especially on canon law because he is a canon lawyer),” Advincula said.

CBCP President Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said Pope Leo’s early conversations reflected the same hopes and priorities that cardinals voiced before the conclave.

“I can safely say the majority of the cardinals would like to see a continuity of the spirit of the papacy of Pope Francis—without being a clone, without being a photocopy,” David said.

“Kasi every pope is going to be original. Pero noong marinig ko sa bibig niya [Pope Leo], oh he treasures the memory of Pope Francis. That’s a big deal for us (Every pope is unique, but when I heard Pope Leo say that he treasures the memory of Pope Francis, that really stood out to us. It’s a big deal),” he added.

David also said that the cardinals spoke often about the pope’s role as pontifex maximus, or supreme bridge builder, a symbol of unity, healing, and reconciliation in a divided world.

He pointed out that Pope Francis embodied these qualities as a pope of mercy, compassion, and humility, fostering a welcoming and listening Church.

“I see the same qualities now in Pope Leo. So let’s pray for him. I have full hope in my heart that this will be a truly great papacy,” David said.