‘Bob’s the Pope!’ Canberra principal Tim Cleary reflects on his unique bond with Pope Leo XIV

When the white smoke rose and Pope Leo XIV was announced, St Edmund’s College Principal Tim Cleary didn’t just celebrate the election of a new pontiff — he celebrated the deep joy of personal connection.

“I picked up my phone and shouted with happiness,” he said, face splitting into an enormous smile.

“My wife asked what had happened, and I said, ‘Bob’s the pope!’ Pope Leo. How extraordinary. How amazing. What a blessing.”

Previously known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV is a man Mr Cleary knows well from his 15 years as Principal at St Augustine’s College in Sydney, where the former Augustinian Prior General often visited.

“He would come to the school for presentation nights to give out trophies and awards,” Mr Cleary recalled.

“I took him out on Sydney Harbour. It was fantastic. We went out for dinner. He has a special place in his heart for mothers, so what a blessing, especially as we approach Mother’s Day, to have this man leading our Church.”

Mr Cleary describes Pope Leo as deeply intelligent, humble, and profoundly kind.

“He is a remarkable man,” he said. “So gentle, so clever. He speaks nine languages, I think, or more. I’ve had dinner with him in Sydney, in Rome, and in Peru. He listens to every word you say. And he always responds with warmth.”

The news of the election triggered an outpouring of messages from around the world.

“My phone was going overtime,” Mr Cleary laughed.

“Everyone knows I was the principal at St Augustine’s, and I even got texts from Rome — they’d been up all night with champagne. We are all very fond of this man.”

Back at school in Canberra, Mr Cleary shared his joy with a special group of students.

“We came to school, we got all the Leos out of class, and we sang a joyful song,” he said.

“I believe this man is going to change the world. He’s intellectual and moderate, but also progressive in terms of human rights. There’ll be a lot done in the social justice sphere, a lot said on the dignity of the human person.”

The memory of sharing meals and conversations with the man who would become Pope Leo is now something Mr Cleary cherishes more than ever.

“I drove him in my Volkswagen to a restaurant in Sydney. I bobbed around on a little boat with him in the harbour. I’ve had dinner with him on three continents. He’s a joyful man. He breaks into big smiles and laughter. And he nods his head a lot and smiles and just enjoys people around him. At the dinner table, he is always looking for the next laugh.”

And while he jokes that he won’t rush to get to Rome — “there’ll be a bit of a line” — Mr Cleary is confident they’ll meet again.

“We will get there, and that’s exciting to know,” he said.

“I’ve been overwhelmed with joy. His gentleness, his presence, his warmth — I’m not surprised he is pope, now that I think about it and reflect on it.”

Mr Cleary smiles as he shakes his head in wonder.

“Our Holy Father, Bob. This is the greatest day.”