As of this weekend, Pope Leo XIV celebrates his first 100 days in office, marking a notable shift in tone and approach from his predecessor, Pope Francis. During a recent Holy Year celebration, he delighted tens of thousands of young attendees by unexpectedly taking a tour around St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile. This spontaneous moment resonated with the informal style that characterized Francis’ 12-year papacy, yet Leo’s message was distinctly his own. Speaking fluently in English, Spanish, and Italian, he called upon the youth to embody the “salt of the Earth” and “light of the world,” urging them to spread hope and peace.
A significant takeaway from Leo’s initial period is the palpable calm he brings to the papacy, a contrast to the sometimes tumultuous atmosphere during Francis’ tenure. Leo appears focused on steering clear of polemics and personal attention, redirecting the Church’s mission towards Christ and universal peace. This new direction seems to align closely with the desires of many Catholic followers.
According to Kevin Hughes, chair of theology and religious studies at Villanova University, Leo’s direct and forthright style offers a sense of relief, especially for those who appreciated Francis but felt uncertain about his unpredictable public statements. “Even those who really loved Pope Francis always kind of held their breath a little bit,” Hughes noted. “You didn’t know what was going to come out next or what he was going to do.”
In his first 100 days, Leo has made efforts to heal divisions that grew during Francis’ papacy, focusing on unity and avoiding controversies. His approach includes addressing the pressing issue of artificial intelligence, a topic on which both conservatives and progressives find common ground. This contrasts sharply with Francis, whose emphasis on environmental and migrant issues often alienated more traditional factions within the Church.
Leo has also reassured the Holy See bureaucracy, which sometimes felt challenged by Francis’ more authoritative style. “Popes come and go, but the Curia remains,” Leo remarked to Vatican officials shortly after his election on May 8, 2023. By taking this stance, he aims to foster a more collegial atmosphere within the Church’s administrative body.
While Leo has embraced aspects of Francis’ legacy, particularly in environmental matters, he has not engaged in high-profile interviews or impromptu remarks like his predecessor. Recently, he chose not to echo Francis’ strong condemnation of nuclear weapons during the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, opting instead for a more measured response.
In comparison to other world leaders, such as former President Donald Trump, who took office in 2025 with a barrage of executive orders, Leo’s style has been one of caution and deliberation. At 69, he appears to recognize the importance of taking a step back after Francis’ transformative papacy, allowing the Church some time to reflect and regroup.
A Vatican official familiar with Leo’s approach described his leadership as akin to a “calming rain” on the Church, suggesting that his style may provide much-needed stability during a period of transition. As Pope Leo XIV continues to navigate his role, his commitment to unity and peace may resonate deeply with the global Catholic community, offering a different, yet equally essential, vision for the future of the Church.
