Body language expert reveals Pope Leo's subtle gesture that exposes his 'true emotions' during first mass
Mia Williams
Featured Image Credit: Vatican Media/Vatican Pool - Corbis/Getty Images
As the newly elected head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo hosted his first mass, and a body language expert has given their thoughts on his speech.
It was announced just yesterday (8 May) that Robert Francis Prevost is the new head of the Catholic Church and will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
It seems that deliberations in Vatican City took less time than usual, with it taking just 25 hours for the college of cardinals to choose their next leader.
This morning (9 May), the new pope hosted his first mass, in which he delivered a speech in English, which is seemingly a major break in tradition.
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Not only this, but the world heard the 69-year-old American's singing voice during the mass earlier this morning.
And while many Catholics worldwide are celebrating the new pope, a body language expert revealed what they thought Pope Leo might be feeling during the mass.
Expert Inbaal Honigman, speaking on behalf of Covers.com, noted that the pope's first few words during the ceremony were 'straight from the heart'.
He said: "We can see that the new Pontiff is nervous, because his thumb fiddles with the corner of his notes.
"This twiddling is a soothing gesture, although the thumbs-up positive also indicates satisfaction."
As the mass progressed, he added: "When he just begins to speak, Pope Leo holds his arms wide open, which is a welcoming gesture, and then his whole body moves up and down very swiftly. He cannot contain his joy at being in that position."
Honigman noted that when the pope touched his chest, it was followed by a sweeping gesture with both hands.
He suggested that it symbolises how Leo views himself and all the other cardinals as one, serving the same purpose.
The body language expert further noted: "He nods when he speaks, and tilts his head from side to side.
"The head tilt indicates listening, he would like to be attentive to the rest of the congregated cardinals."
The mass was held at the Sistine Chapel at 11 a.m. local time and was attended by the college of cardinals, by whom he was elected.
Despite being seemingly overjoyed with the new but enormous role, Honigman further stated: "When the new Pope says 'to announce the Gospel', his brow furrows.
"There are two little lines evident between his eyes, which is a nonverbal show of concern. He does not expect the job to be an easy one."