Pope Leo XIV, 3 weeks encapsulated.

 *Summary created with Google Gemini AI*

Source: Vatican.va

Pope Leo XIV's first three weeks in office, from his election on May 8, 2025, through today, May 29, 2025, have been marked by a blend of traditional papal engagements, significant symbolic actions, and a clear articulation of his initial priorities.

Here's an encapsulation:

The First Week (May 8 - May 14): From Election to Early Engagements

• May 8: Election and "Habemus Papam": Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope on the fourth ballot, taking the name Leo XIV. He appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to give his first public blessing, "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world). He immediately signaled his focus on AI and human dignity by referencing Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum encyclical in his first address to the College of Cardinals.
• May 10: Meeting with Cardinals: He met with the College of Cardinals, emphasizing dialogue and seeking their "advice, suggestions, proposals, concrete things," and stressed the importance of unity and love within the Church. He also showed an embrace of Pope Francis's legacy, citing Evangelii Gaudium.
• May 11: First Regina Caeli: He led the traditional Sunday Regina Caeli prayer from the Central Loggia of St. Peter's Basilica.
• May 12: Meeting with International Press: He met with members of the international press, offering his initial vision for the papacy.
• Surprise Visit: He made a surprise, unofficial visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a place he frequented as Cardinal Prevost.

The Second Week (May 15 - May 21): Inauguration and Initial Priorities

• May 16: Meeting with Diplomatic Corps: He received the diplomatic corps, engaging with heads of mission from around the world.
• May 18: Inaugural Mass: His formal installation as Pope was held with a Mass in St. Peter's Square. In his homily, he spoke of a desire for a "united Church, a sign of unity and communion," and stressed the importance of love and unity as the core of Peter's mission.
• May 19: Meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance: He held his first meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who invited him to the White House.
• May 20: Possessing Basilicas and Dicastery Visit: He formally took possession of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. He also made a surprise visit to the Dicastery for Bishops, where he had served as Prefect until his election.
• May 21: First General Audience: He held his first weekly General Audience, focusing on the parable of the sower and the idea that God "scatters the seed of His word on every kind of soil." He also remembered Pope Francis on the one-month anniversary of his passing.

The Third Week (May 22 - May 29): Continued Engagement and Symbolic Gestures

• May 22: Elevating Women: He continued Pope Francis's practice of elevating women to top-level positions in the Roman Curia, naming Sr. Tiziana Merletti as secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
• May 24: Meeting with Roman Curia: He met with the Roman Curia and Vatican City State employees, a significant engagement for the internal functioning of the Holy See.
• May 25: Possessing More Basilicas: He led the Regina Caeli prayer and formally took possession of two more papal basilicas: St. John Lateran (his cathedral as Bishop of Rome) and St. Mary Major. In his homily at St. John Lateran, he emphasized how ecclesial communion is built "on our knees, through prayer and constant commitment to conversion."
• May 28: General Audience with Appeals for Peace: He held his second General Audience, focusing on the parable of the Good Samaritan and stressing compassion as a matter of humanity, not just religion. He made a heartfelt appeal for peace in Ukraine and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
• May 29: Borgo Laudato Si' Visit: He visited the Borgo Laudato Si' project and the former papal palace in Castel Gandolfo, reinforcing the Vatican's commitment to integral ecology.

Throughout these first three weeks, Pope Leo XIV has consistently highlighted themes of unity, dialogue, charity, compassion, and a renewed focus on the missionary dimension of the Church, while also honoring the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis. His choice of papal name and early statements suggest a papacy that will engage with contemporary challenges, including artificial intelligence, through the lens of Catholic social teaching.