With Gaza appeals, Pope Leo shows quiet but robust diplomatic style

By Joshua McElwee

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Leo’s recent forceful statements about the war in Gaza and his strong call for a ceasefire during a meeting last week with Israeli President Isaac Herzog showed the new leader of the Catholic Church developing a robust, if quiet, diplomatic style.

Leo, who became the first U.S. pontiff when he was elected in May, takes an approach that is more muted than his predecessor Pope Francis, who often grabbed headlines with big public appeals or…