Pope Leo XIV speaks multiple languages. His native language is English, but he is also fluent in Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese. Additionally, he can read Latin and German. He learned Spanish and Portuguese during his many years in Peru and Latin America, and Italian is essential for working within the Vatican. Latin remains important as the traditional language of the Church, used in official documents and liturgy. He has also studied some Quechuan languages while in Peru and has a general scholarly interest in languages, including biblical Greek and Hebrew

. In his first public address as pope, he spoke mainly in Italian and Spanish, with the traditional blessing in Latin, but did not speak English aloud despite it being his native tongue. This choice reflects his pastoral experience and connection to the global Church beyond his American roots