THE WEEKLY DISPATCH FROM ROME
POPE LEO XIV’S FIRST FULL WEEK — ROOTED IN PEACE, PRAYER, AND PURPOSE
MAY 16, 2025
A WEEK OF SILENCE THAT SPOKE VOLUMES
It’s been just over a week since Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and offered the world three simple words: “Peace be with you.” Since then, no encyclicals have been issued. No sweeping changes have been made. But don’t let the calm fool you—this was a week filled with meaning. Through symbolic gestures, heartfelt appeals, and quiet decisions, Leo XIV has started to reveal what kind of shepherd he will be.
Here’s what you need to know:
HIS FIRST SUNDAY: “NEVER AGAIN WAR”
On May 11, Pope Leo XIV addressed the world for the first time during the Regina Coeli, and his words were direct:
“Never again war.”
He spoke with gravity about Ukraine, Gaza, and every war-scarred corner of the globe. But rather than sounding like a diplomat, he sounded like a pastor. He pleaded for peace, not through power, but through prayer. His final appeal? Entrusting the world to Mary, Queen of Peace. It was a Marian moment, a Franciscan echo, and a personal plea from a pope who has seen suffering up close.
A PILGRIMAGE, NOT A PRESS CONFERENCE
Before he took meetings, before he settled into papal apartments, Pope Leo did something deeply personal. On May 10, he made a quiet pilgrimage to Our Mother of Good Counsel Shrine in Genazzano—a humble sanctuary beloved by his own Augustinian Order. There, he entrusted his pontificate to Mary. No fanfare. Just prayer.
Later that day, he visited St. Mary Major, prayed silently before the icon Salus Populi Romani, and left a white rose on the tomb of Pope Francis—a nod to Francis’s devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Again, no cameras followed him inside. Just one man, kneeling, praying, listening. That’s who we have now.
UNITY AND THE “MISSIONARY CHURCH”
In private meetings this week with the College of Cardinals and Vatican leadership, Leo XIV began outlining his vision for the Church. No manifestos—just three guiding priorities: • Unity across ideologies • Missionary discipleship rooted in the Gospel • Dialogue with a rapidly changing world
He referenced Evangelii Gaudium, called AI one of the “greatest challenges to human dignity”, and recommitted to the spirit of Vatican II. If Pope Francis focused on going out to the peripheries, Leo seems ready to continue—but with a quieter, bridge-building style aimed at healing internal divisions, too.
He’s not here to pick sides. He’s here to bring us back together.
MARIAN ROOTS, AUGUSTINIAN HEART
Pope Leo’s personal touches are beginning to tell a story. His papal motto, “In illo uno unum” (In the One, One), comes from St. Augustine. His coat of arms bears the flaming heart and open book of the Augustinians. And his pectoral cross holds relics of St. Augustine and St. Monica—mother and son, symbols of faith and perseverance.
There’s no mistaking it: Leo XIV is bringing a contemplative spirit to the Chair of Peter—one rooted in prayer, tradition, and quiet courage.
WHAT’S NEXT: INAUGURATION AND THE JUBILEE
All eyes now turn to May 18, when Pope Leo XIV will be formally installed as Bishop of Rome during his Inauguration Mass in St. Peter’s Square. He’ll receive the Fisherman’s Ring and pallium, greet world leaders, and begin his public ministry in earnest.
This inauguration will be historic for another reason: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is attending, the first time an Orthodox patriarch has been present at a papal enthronement. That’s no accident. It’s a signal.
And coming fast behind it? The Jubilee Year 2025. Pope Francis began the preparations. Leo XIV will carry it forward. Expect announcements soon on pilgrimages, indulgences, and spiritual events for what promises to be a deeply meaningful Holy Year themed: “Pilgrims of Hope.”
IN THE VATICAN: NO SHUFFLING—YET
No big Vatican shakeups… yet. All curial leaders have been asked to stay in place for now, a sign that Pope Leo values continuity as he listens, prays, and discerns. But those who know him from his time as Prefect of Bishops say: reform will come. It just won’t come with fanfare.
A GLOBAL EMBRACE
From world capitals to small mission towns, the reaction has been overwhelmingly warm: • President Macron expressed hope for a pontificate of peace. • President Trump called it a “great honor for our country.” • Zelenskyy of Ukraine asked the Pope to keep standing for peace. • Patriarch Bartholomew affirmed the new Pope’s role in building bridges. • And in Chicago, Cardinal Cupich said, simply: “We’re beaming.”
On social media, the world’s been buzzing with #PopeLeoXIV. In Peru, villagers are sharing throwback photos of him riding in the back of dusty trucks. In seminaries, professors recall his humble presence and sharp mind. From the barrios to the basilicas, the Church feels personal this week.
TODAY’S SUMMARY: A BEGINNING WITHOUT NOISE, BUT NOT WITHOUT POWER
This wasn’t a loud week—but it was a luminous one.
Pope Leo XIV has made no grand moves, no sweeping proclamations. And yet, the Church already feels a little more united. A little more grounded. A little more hopeful.
As he said in his first blessing:
“Without fear, united… we will go forward.”
And so we do.
Coming Up:🔸 May 18 – Inauguration Mass at St. Peter’s Square🔸 May 21 – First General Audience with Pope Leo XIV🔸 Coming Soon – Jubilee 2025 events and papal initiatives
Pax et Bonum!
It’s been just over a week since Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and offered the world three simple words: “Peace be with you.” Since then, no encyclicals have been issued. No sweeping changes have been made. But don’t let the calm fool you—this was a week filled with meaning. Through symbolic gestures, heartfelt appeals, and quiet decisions, Leo XIV has started to reveal what kind of shepherd he will be.
Here’s what you need to know:
HIS FIRST SUNDAY: “NEVER AGAIN WAR”
On May 11, Pope Leo XIV addressed the world for the first time during the Regina Coeli, and his words were direct:
“Never again war.”
He spoke with gravity about Ukraine, Gaza, and every war-scarred corner of the globe. But rather than sounding like a diplomat, he sounded like a pastor. He pleaded for peace, not through power, but through prayer. His final appeal? Entrusting the world to Mary, Queen of Peace. It was a Marian moment, a Franciscan echo, and a personal plea from a pope who has seen suffering up close.
A PILGRIMAGE, NOT A PRESS CONFERENCE
Before he took meetings, before he settled into papal apartments, Pope Leo did something deeply personal. On May 10, he made a quiet pilgrimage to Our Mother of Good Counsel Shrine in Genazzano—a humble sanctuary beloved by his own Augustinian Order. There, he entrusted his pontificate to Mary. No fanfare. Just prayer.
Later that day, he visited St. Mary Major, prayed silently before the icon Salus Populi Romani, and left a white rose on the tomb of Pope Francis—a nod to Francis’s devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Again, no cameras followed him inside. Just one man, kneeling, praying, listening. That’s who we have now.
UNITY AND THE “MISSIONARY CHURCH”
In private meetings this week with the College of Cardinals and Vatican leadership, Leo XIV began outlining his vision for the Church. No manifestos—just three guiding priorities: • Unity across ideologies • Missionary discipleship rooted in the Gospel • Dialogue with a rapidly changing world
He referenced Evangelii Gaudium, called AI one of the “greatest challenges to human dignity”, and recommitted to the spirit of Vatican II. If Pope Francis focused on going out to the peripheries, Leo seems ready to continue—but with a quieter, bridge-building style aimed at healing internal divisions, too.
He’s not here to pick sides. He’s here to bring us back together.
MARIAN ROOTS, AUGUSTINIAN HEART
Pope Leo’s personal touches are beginning to tell a story. His papal motto, “In illo uno unum” (In the One, One), comes from St. Augustine. His coat of arms bears the flaming heart and open book of the Augustinians. And his pectoral cross holds relics of St. Augustine and St. Monica—mother and son, symbols of faith and perseverance.
There’s no mistaking it: Leo XIV is bringing a contemplative spirit to the Chair of Peter—one rooted in prayer, tradition, and quiet courage.
WHAT’S NEXT: INAUGURATION AND THE JUBILEE
All eyes now turn to May 18, when Pope Leo XIV will be formally installed as Bishop of Rome during his Inauguration Mass in St. Peter’s Square. He’ll receive the Fisherman’s Ring and pallium, greet world leaders, and begin his public ministry in earnest.
This inauguration will be historic for another reason: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is attending, the first time an Orthodox patriarch has been present at a papal enthronement. That’s no accident. It’s a signal.
And coming fast behind it? The Jubilee Year 2025. Pope Francis began the preparations. Leo XIV will carry it forward. Expect announcements soon on pilgrimages, indulgences, and spiritual events for what promises to be a deeply meaningful Holy Year themed: “Pilgrims of Hope.”
IN THE VATICAN: NO SHUFFLING—YET
No big Vatican shakeups… yet. All curial leaders have been asked to stay in place for now, a sign that Pope Leo values continuity as he listens, prays, and discerns. But those who know him from his time as Prefect of Bishops say: reform will come. It just won’t come with fanfare.
A GLOBAL EMBRACE
From world capitals to small mission towns, the reaction has been overwhelmingly warm: • President Macron expressed hope for a pontificate of peace. • President Trump called it a “great honor for our country.” • Zelenskyy of Ukraine asked the Pope to keep standing for peace. • Patriarch Bartholomew affirmed the new Pope’s role in building bridges. • And in Chicago, Cardinal Cupich said, simply: “We’re beaming.”
On social media, the world’s been buzzing with #PopeLeoXIV. In Peru, villagers are sharing throwback photos of him riding in the back of dusty trucks. In seminaries, professors recall his humble presence and sharp mind. From the barrios to the basilicas, the Church feels personal this week.
TODAY’S SUMMARY: A BEGINNING WITHOUT NOISE, BUT NOT WITHOUT POWER
This wasn’t a loud week—but it was a luminous one.
Pope Leo XIV has made no grand moves, no sweeping proclamations. And yet, the Church already feels a little more united. A little more grounded. A little more hopeful.
As he said in his first blessing:
“Without fear, united… we will go forward.”
And so we do.
Coming Up:🔸 May 18 – Inauguration Mass at St. Peter’s Square🔸 May 21 – First General Audience with Pope Leo XIV🔸 Coming Soon – Jubilee 2025 events and papal initiatives
Pax et Bonum!
POPE LEO XIV SETTLES IN – A PONTIFICATE ROOTED IN PEACE, UNITY, AND GLOBAL MISSION MAY 10, 2025
A Quiet Day, A Loud Message
May 10 may have been a quieter day on the Vatican calendar, but the early tone of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate continues to ripple around the world. No major speeches or public events took place today—but make no mistake: the Holy Father’s first 48 hours have been rich with symbolism, signals, and global reaction. Here’s what you need to know.
His First Words: Peace and the Hail Mary
Just two days ago, Pope Leo XIV stepped out onto the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time. He didn’t shout or posture. He simply said: “Peace be with you all.” Then, surrounded by roaring applause and fluttering flags, he led the world in a Hail Mary. That alone tells us a lot—he’s a Marian pope, rooted in simplicity and devotion.
In a touching first blessing, urbi et orbi (to the city and to the world), he assured us:
“Evil will not prevail. We are all in God’s hands.”
In a touching first blessing, urbi et orbi (to the city and to the world), he assured us:
“Evil will not prevail. We are all in God’s hands.”
First Mass, First Message: Let’s Walk Together
On May 9, his first full day as pope, Leo XIV celebrated Mass with the cardinals who elected him. “You have called me to carry this cross,” he said with humility, “and I know I can rely on you to walk with me.” His homily mixed Italian and English, emphasizing gratitude, unity, and Gospel boldness.
No grand plans announced—just a gentle call to walk side by side, like Jesus did with His disciples.
No grand plans announced—just a gentle call to walk side by side, like Jesus did with His disciples.
What’s Next: Installation, Audiences, and a Busy Jubilee Year
Here’s what’s coming up: • May 18: Papal Inauguration Mass in St. Peter’s Square. He’ll receive the Fisherman’s Ring and the pallium, formally becoming Bishop of Rome. • May 21: First General Audience, where he’ll speak directly to pilgrims. • Throughout May: Private meetings with cardinals, diplomats, and faith leaders. • Jubilee 2025: He’ll take the baton from Pope Francis and carry the Holy Year forward—expect announcements soon on pilgrimages and spiritual events.
Any Big Decisions Yet? Not Quite
No sweeping changes in the Vatican yet. All curial leaders remain in place—likely until after the inauguration. But Leo XIV is no stranger to reform. As Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Francis, he helped include women and laypeople in selecting bishops. That collaborative style is expected to continue.
He’s also on record supporting action on climate change and echoing concerns about the social costs of unchecked tech. No encyclicals yet—but his green light for climate justice looks strong.
He’s also on record supporting action on climate change and echoing concerns about the social costs of unchecked tech. No encyclicals yet—but his green light for climate justice looks strong.
Where He Stands: A Francis Ally With a Missionary Heart
Don’t expect a break from Pope Francis’s style. Pope Leo XIV (born Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago) served in Peru for years and speaks Spanish fluently. His name—Leo—evokes Leo XIII, the social teaching pope. That’s no coincidence. This Leo seems ready to build bridges across continents and ideologies.
Reactions from Around the World: From Chicago to Kyiv
From political capitals to tiny mission towns, people are reacting with joy—and curiosity. • President Trump called it a “Great Honor for our Country.” • President Macron spoke of “hope for the Church’s future.” • Ukraine’s Zelenskyy asked the Vatican to keep standing for peace. • Cardinal Cupich beamed with pride over Chicago’s native son. • Sr. Barbara Reid, who taught the pope in seminary, called him “beloved and deeply pastoral.” • Ecumenical and interfaith leaders sent warm greetings.
The world is watching—and praying.
The world is watching—and praying.
On Social Media: Tweets, Tears, and Chicago Pride
#PopeLeoXIV is trending.A Chicago tweet summed it up:
“Everything dope—including the Pope—comes from Chicago!”
Meanwhile, Peruvians are sharing old photos of him in the countryside, riding in dusty trucks, blessing babies, and listening to villagers. The universal Church feels a little more personal this week.
“Everything dope—including the Pope—comes from Chicago!”
Meanwhile, Peruvians are sharing old photos of him in the countryside, riding in dusty trucks, blessing babies, and listening to villagers. The universal Church feels a little more personal this week.
Today’s Summary: A Day to Breathe and Build
No breaking news from the Vatican today, but plenty is happening behind the scenes. Pope Leo XIV is preparing for his inauguration, receiving guests quietly, and laying the spiritual foundation of his papacy.
In his own words:
“Without fear, united… we will go forward.”
And so, we do.
Coming Up: • May 12–17: Quiet meetings and spiritual prep • May 18: Inauguration Mass (watch live on Vatican Media) • May 21: General Audience begins weekly papal teachings Pax et Bonum!
In his own words:
“Without fear, united… we will go forward.”
And so, we do.
Coming Up: • May 12–17: Quiet meetings and spiritual prep • May 18: Inauguration Mass (watch live on Vatican Media) • May 21: General Audience begins weekly papal teachings Pax et Bonum!