Pope Leo XIV's First 100 Days: 5 Keys - Striving for Peace, Unity, Continuity, Reform, and an American Perspective

August 16, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the Catholic Church: the completion of Pope Leo XIV's first 100 days as the successor to the Apostle Saint Peter. Elected on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis, Robert Francis Prevost—now Leo XIV— emerged with the words "Peace be with all of you." He is the first pope to have been born in the United States and North America, the first to hold American and Peruvian citizenships, the first born after World War II, the first from the Order of Saint Augustine, and the second from the Americas after his predecessor Pope Francis. He is a figure of calm authority, blending the pastoral zeal of his predecessor with a deliberate effort to heal divisions within the Church and address pressing global challenges. As the first pope born in the United States, his pontificate has already captured worldwide attention, offering a unique blend of American pragmatism, Augustinian spirituality, and a commitment to synodality. The pope's Motto is In illo Uno unum - ('In the One, [we are] one'). 5 Keys seem to have emerged from his papacy thus far: - Striving for Peace, Unity, Continuity, Reform, and a American Perspective

From Chicago to the Vatican: 

A Brief Biography

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to educator parents of French, Italian, Spanish, and Louisiana Creole descent, Prevost grew up in a devout Catholic family. He attended Villanova University, earning a degree in mathematics, before joining the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977—the first pope from this order. Ordained a priest in 1982, he pursued advanced studies in canon law in Rome and spent many years as a missionary in Peru, where he served as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. There, he earned a reputation for advocating social justice, aiding refugees, and confronting political corruption. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and elevated him to cardinal, positioning him as a key Vatican insider. His election came as a surprise during the 2025 conclave, on the ballot after just two days. Choosing the name Leo XIV in honor of Pope Leo XIII, known for his social teachings, Prevost signaled a focus on modern issues like artificial intelligence and cultural shifts. His inaugural address from St. Peter's Basilica emphasized peace, unity, and gratitude to Pope Francis, setting a tone of humility and reconciliation.

Key Actions and Initiatives in the First 100 Days

Pope Leo XIV's early tenure has been characterized by a measured pace, avoiding the polemics that sometimes marked Pope Francis's papacy while building on its foundations of reform and outreach. His inauguration Mass on May 18 drew 250,000 faithful to St. Peter's Square, where he called for a "united Church in a polarized world." 

Among his notable actions:

Ecclesiastical Appointments and Reforms: Notably, Pope Leo XIV a woman to a senior Vatican position; he appointed Sister Tiziana Merletti, former Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, as Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. (May 22, 2025) On June 5, he nominated the first Chinese bishop under the Vatican-China accord, continuing Francis's diplomatic efforts. On July 5, he appointed French Archbishop Thibault Verny to lead the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, addressing clergy abuse—a priority amid past allegations from his time in Peru, which his diocese denied.

Reviving Traditions: Pope Leo XIV often sings in Latin during Masses. Breaking from Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV moved into the Apostolic Palace and revived the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. He also restored the imposition of the pallium on new archbishops, blending tradition with modernity.
Engagement with Youth and Technology: Continuing Instagram and X accounts and holding a large jubilee encounter with over 1 million youth, Pope Leo XIV has embraced digital evangelism and the new generations. He addressed AI's ethical challenges in his first cardinal address and sent a video message to Chicago youth, urging community-building and embracing God's love.
Global Outreach and Peace Appeals: Leo has called for ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza, and addressed Israel-Iran tensions. He linked climate change to broader issues like migration and deforestation, emphasizing environmental stewardship.
Personal Touches: A lifelong Chicago White Sox fan, he incorporated sports references into speeches, and his multilingual skills (speaking 5 language - with some German) have facilitated diverse audiences. His most notable remarks highlight themes of peace, compassion, and synodality, highlighting that in a divided world, the Holy Spirit teaches us to walk together in unity.

His social media reflects widespread positivity, with posts celebrating his Marian devotion, calls for unity, and blend of predecessors' styles—Francis's heart, Benedict's clarity, and John Paul II's charisma.

Impacts on the Church and the World

In just 100 days, Pope Leo XIV has positioned himself as a unifier, particularly in a polarized U.S. Catholic Church, balancing tradition and reform. His election broke a against an American pope, eliciting congratulations from leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump and sparking celebrations in Chicago and Peru. Globally, his denunciations of wars and focus on climate have reinforced the Vatican's role in international diplomacy, potentially influencing ceasefires and environmental policies. Within the Church, his emphasis on synodality and abuse prevention signals continuity with Francis while offering a "calm papacy" that heals divisions. Experts note his style—less Robert, more Peter—fosters goodwill, with priorities like ecumenism (e.g., a planned trip to Turkey) promising further impact.  Pope Leo XIV is seen as a gift we don't deserve, neither a rigid traditionalist nor a radical reformer, but a shepherd for turbulent times. With his first international trip on the horizon, the world watches as this Chicago-born pontiff shapes the Church's future.

Key Milestones in Pope Leo XIV's First 100 Days

May 8: 1st Person from U.S.A Elected Pope 
May 8: Wore Traditional Red Vestments
May 18: Inauguration Mass in St. Peter's Square
May 25: Installed as Bishop of Rome
June 5: Nominates Chinese bishop
July 5: Appoints New Head of Child Protection Commission
July 6: Revives Castel Gandolfo Tradition

Ongoing: Appeals for peace in Ukraine, Gaza; addresses AI and climate.
This period sets a foundation of hope, with Pope Leo's American roots bringing a new dynamism to the universal Church.