Cardinal Puljic says new Pope broad-minded, backed by Pope Francis's cardinals

Puljic also revealed that cardinals appointed by Pope Francis were particularly supportive of the new pontiff.

Cardinal Puljić stood alongside Pope Leo XIV during the new pontiff's first appearance before the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square. Speaking to the Catholic Press Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (KTA BiH) in an interview from the Vatican published on Friday, Puljić said he had been deeply moved to be invited to accompany the Pope and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who presided over the conclave.

"It gave me great joy," said the Archbishop Emeritus of Sarajevo, who became a cardinal in 1994 and was one of the oldest electors in the conclave, turning 80 this September.

"I was amazed to see how many people had gathered, not just the number, but the sheer enthusiasm with which they welcomed the new Pope," Puljić said.

He described Pope Leo XIV as "clearly broad-minded".

"He has travelled extensively across various parts of the world and continents. He has built many relationships and contacts. My impression is that he's an excellent communicator, someone who listens and truly hears. I hope he retains those qualities. He is spontaneous, yet subtly so. He strikes me as serious and firm in his views. We shall see. He certainly doesn't come across as narrow-minded, quite the opposite, he seems open and very communicative."

Puljic emphasised the Pope's background with the Augustinian order, along with his experience as a professor, a religious superior, a missionary, and his service in the Dicastery for Bishops.

"I believe all that experience will greatly benefit him in his papal ministry," he said.

Recalling the election itself, Puljić said the first vote was "very scattered", but the cardinals quickly rallied around Cardinal Prevost.

"It was evident that he had leadership qualities. He was especially strongly backed by the cardinals appointed by Pope Francis," he noted.

Cardinal Puljić concluded that it is a positive development for the Church to have an American pope, breaking with historical precedent.

"It’s true that America often feels the need to be a 'patron' over others, but I hope and believe the Pope will act with freedom and independence in his ministry. He will be someone who relies on Christ and proclaims and bears witness to Christ in the world," Puljić said.