The Max 31855 octo program included here: works fine on Leonardo. It used to work on my Pro Mini but doesn't now.
I set up the "Bare Minimum" with a serial.print and it prints just fine.
I'm new enough at this and just flog aroung in C so I can't figure out why it doesn't print.
I think that OP has problem with the Pro Mini, not the Leonardo. But you're right that it should have the while(!Serial) in the sketch if the target board can be either.