VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As Pope Leo XIV marks his first 100 days as head of the global Catholic Church, a clear leadership style has emerged: deliberate, unifying and understated. The first pope born in the United States, Leo has used the traditionally quiet summer months at the Vatican to position himself as a bridge-builder in a deeply divided church, taking a watch-and-learn approach while making strategic moves that signal his priorities.
Early on, Leo made symbolic gestures to reassure both wings of a church still reeling from a disruptive Francis papacy. Donning the traditional papal mozzetta at his election — a departure from his predecessor who chose to eschew the red cape for a white cassock — and shifting his residence back to the Apostolic Palace signaled to conservatives his respect for tradition. While his early commitment to synodality — the collaborative decision-making process championed by Francis — eased progressives concerns that Francis’ reforms would be lost.
“People who felt alienated now feel comforted, and those who loved Francis also love him — he’s brought people together who were at odds,” said Jeff Cavins, a Catholic convert and biblical scholar. “He’s beautifully equipped to be the touchstone of unity in the church.”
Leo’s u …