Charles Esther
Pope Leo XIV officially reached the 100-day milestone of his pontificate on August 13, 2025.
Elected as the 267th pope on May 8, the Holy Father has already participated in historic moments, including addressing over a million young people at the Jubilee of Youth.
He has also shared meaningful encounters with pilgrims, dignitaries, and faithful from around the world.
First General Audience and Appeal for Gaza
During his first general audience, Pope Leo called for an end to hostilities in Gaza and urged the entry of humanitarian aid.
He expressed concern for children, the elderly, and the sick affected by the conflict.
The pope also remembered Pope Francis, who passed away just one month prior, offering gratitude for his guidance and leadership.
Meeting Pilgrims and Families
Many pilgrims attended Pope Leo’s early audiences, including Chuma Asuzu, a Nigerian-born Canadian, who traveled with his family.
Asuzu noted the pope appeared emotional and engaged during his first ride in the popemobile, highlighting his warmth and approachability.
Welcoming Notable Figures to the Vatican
Pope Leo has hosted numerous high-profile visitors, from politicians to athletes and entertainers.
Notable guests included U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentine President Javier Milei, tennis player Jannik Sinner, actor Jonathan Roumie, SSC Napoli, and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Roumie, known for portraying Jesus in The Chosen, described the encounter as “fantastic,” praising the pope’s kindness and generosity with his time.
Heartfelt Advice to Newlyweds
Pope Leo shared marriage guidance with a young American couple, Cole and Anna Stevens, days after their wedding.
He reflected on the example of his own parents, who prayed the rosary together daily, and offered his personal blessing for their union.
Anna Stevens noted the pope’s full attention and sincere responses during the interaction.
A Lighthearted Moment With a Chicago Family
A Chicago family visiting Rome made headlines when they presented Pope Leo with a “Da Pope” T-shirt, referencing the iconic “Da Bears” sketches from Saturday Night Live.
The pope approached the family directly, and they described the experience of holding his hand and kissing his ring as profoundly moving.
Returning to Castel Gandolfo
Continuing papal tradition, Pope Leo spent two weeks in July at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence.
He visited St. Martha Home for the Elderly, prayed in the chapel, and greeted around 20 residents, ranging from 80 to 101 years old.
The pope also interacted with a young nurse and shared reflections on the Sunday Gospel reading from Luke.
Encounters With Religious Communities
Pope Leo was visibly moved when a group of Augustinian Sisters Servant of Jesus and Mary sang for him at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, reflecting his Augustinian background.
Celebrating Pentecost With the Faithful
During Pentecost, Pope Leo addressed roughly 70,000 pilgrims, urging them to embrace the Holy Spirit as a source of freedom and grace.
He encouraged the faithful to live by the Beatitudes and work toward spreading peace and love in the world.
“May the strong wind of the Spirit come upon us, open our hearts, and sustain our efforts to build a world in which peace reigns,” he said.
Jubilee of Youth Draws Over 1 Million Young People
In his largest address to date, Pope Leo encouraged young adults to “study, work, and love according to the example of Jesus” and to pray: “Stay with us, Lord.”
The Jubilee of Youth in Rome, held from July 28 to August 3, included an evening prayer vigil and Mass at Tor Vergata, echoing Pope John Paul II’s 2000 jubilee.
Pilgrims like Clare Fletcher from Omaha, Nebraska, found the Q&A sessions poignant and relevant, praising Pope Leo’s understanding and engagement with youth.
David Awoyode