Pope Leo XIV. – a special introduction and summary of his first 100 days written by Sister Laura Baritz and Solène Tadie – a summary of the discussion during the 7th Conservative Ladies’ Breakfast

Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope, formed by Chicago roots, missionary years in Peru, and the Augustinian spirit of unity. He carries himself with quiet strength, preferring to build harmony rather than chase headlines. His motto, In Illo uno unum — “In the one Christ we are one” — captures his identity: a pastor who insists that real unity comes only from Christ. 

His choice of the name Leo is itself a program. By invoking Pope Leo XIII, who faced the Industrial Revolution with the landmark encyclical Rerum Novarum, Leo XIV signals his desire to confront the great revolution of our age: artificial intelligence and transhumanism. Just as his predecessor defended the dignity of workers in the factory, Leo XIV wants to defend the dignity of the human person in the digital sphere and at a time of unlimited technological progress. He is preparing an encyclical that could become a compass for navigating this new epoch. 

There is continuity with Pope Francis: concern for the poor, openness to synodality (a real one — one that also allows local bishops to let trad communities develop), a global missionary outlook. But there are also marked differences. Francis sought disruption; Leo prefers steadiness. Francis often made bold gestures and ambiguous statements; Leo speaks with greater Christocentrism and composure, as per his Augustinian spirituality. His style is more about reconciling differences without diluting the truth. 

Symbols matter deeply to him. By wearing the red mozzetta, restoring papal traditions (moving back to the Apostolic Palace), and highlighting beauty in the liturgy, Leo shows that the papal office is larger than personal taste. Beauty itself has become a pastoral strategy under his watch, and this is significant at a time when conversions in the West are increasingly sparked by the rediscovery of beauty. For Leo XIV, beauty is not decoration — it is a doorway to faith, to the Truth. 

In diplomacy, he embodies the role of a bridge-builder. Unlike Francis, who favored grand statements and public gestures, Leo works through personal encounters and quiet listening. He spoke privately with Putin, who described their exchange as constructive, and he met with leaders across the political spectrum, from President Herzog to Matteo Salvini — the latter a figure Francis deliberately avoided. Leo shows openness to meeting anyone, signaling that his priority is dialogue, not political alignment. 

The stakes of his pontificate are immense: to heal internal divisions in the Church, to provide a moral compass in the age of artificial intelligence, to rebuild credibility after years of confusion, and to strengthen the Church’s voice as a peacemaker in a fractured world. Above all, Leo XIV insists that the Church must not become an NGO, but remain anchored in Christ, who alone gives unity, dignity, and hope. (Solène Tadie) 

Biography of POPE LEO XIV.  

Robert Francis Prevost, Born: 1955 Chicago, elected: May 8th, 2025 – Augustinian order, American cardinal – Father: French and Italian origin, mother: Spanish origin – 1977: diploma in mathematics, studied philosophy. Entered the Augustinian order, noviciate. Chicago: diploma in theology, Rome: Angelicum, studied canon law – 1982: ordained to priest in the Augustinian college and in 1984: got his licentiate, between 1985-86: serves in Peru – 1987: PhD dissertation – USA, director of missions, responsible for vocations – 1988: run the formation of postulants in Peru, in the Augustinian order – 1988-92: prior in the order – 1988-98: director and teacher in the order (teaches canon law, patristics, moral theology) and he is the priest of the poor – 1999: prior, director and general in Chicago, in 2007 newly elected – 2014: Pope Francis promotes him to governor and titular bishop – 2015: Pope Francis appoints him to bishop of Chicago – 2018: He is deputy chair of the Bishop Conference, member of the Council of economy, chair of Cultural and Educational committees – 2020: apostolic governor 

2023: Pope Francis promotes him to prefect of the bishop dicastery, chair of the papal committee of Latin America, first archbishop, then cardinal; he is member of many dicasteries and committees, member of the Order of Cardinals, situated as high ranked cardinal, promoted by Pope Francis – 2025 April: he ran the rosary on Saint Peter Square for the health of Pope Francis, while he was dying 

He was always fascinated by the personality traits of Pope Francis (His trustworthiness, living the gospel, love of the poor and in need, visiting the jails, love of the Church, his service, responsibility and humanity, benevolence, untiring work.) They met many times, each Saturday mornings during the last two years. Pope Francis left the love of the poor to Pope Leo.  

His first speech: “peace to all of you!” he spoke of armless, humble peace, he continued the blessing of Pope Francis, namely, that God is love, the evil won’t triumph on us. He spoke of building bridges, dialogue, encounters. Following Augustin’s thoughts, the church must be missionary, inclusive, synodal, striving for peace and love.  On the World Youth Meeting this summer he spoke of building a more humane world, of striving for sanctity.  

He says that he was elected unworthy, but he does everything for the peace. He ordained Carlo Acutis and Pier Georgio Frassati to be saints stressing the help to the poor and mentioning solidarity. There is a Laudato si farm in the Vatican, with environmental friendly production of olives, grapes, honey, and a possibility of work for former drug dependents and women in danger. Leo opened this operation and moved there.  His views: importance of the poor, migrants and the protection of creation. Emphasises the peace, justice, service of the mankind, to strengthen people in faith, to build bridges with the people of good will, to strengthen the dialogue between different religions, respect freedom of religions and building encounters, (like John Paul II.) He accentuates the trust in the providence.  

He says, peace begins in the hearts, in the souls, in the self of the person. (Same as John XXIII., in his encyclical Pacem in Terris, 1961, where he describes the origin of peace, which begins in the hearts of the individual person) He emphasises to stop arm production, requires a true disarmament. He maintains families, human dignity, encounter with Jesus and love with the created world, as well. To help those who do not have voice. His message: Peace and hope. He wants to continue the project of Laudato si.  And he wants to continue the road that began with the Second Vatican Council and continued by Evangelii Gaudium in 2013, resulting in the synodal church today. His catchword: “In illo Uno Unum” we are one in Him.  He wants to render more attention to the social order of the world, to continue the road of pope Leo XIII: Peace, justice, humbleness. According to the cardinals “he is the lion who expels, drives away the wolves.”  

Difference and similarity to Pope Francis 

Leo supports the communion of the divorced and remarried like, but he is less open to the matters of LMBTQ and just carefully supported the blessing of the members of homosexual couples (document “Fiduica Supplicans”). He speaks of the homosexual way of life and their alternative families and adopted children just with reservation. He criticises Trump’s migration policy and opposes the clericalization of women, the rendering them to deacons. He does not support but at the same time does not refuse the document of Fiduica Supplicans. He supports the synodal church, is advocate of the consultancies between church members and of including lay people into the conversations. His brother John Prevost says, he is the second Pope Francis – not extreme left or right, he stands in the middle.  

Leo and Hungary 

He was in Hungary in April 2023 when Pope Francis payed an apostolic visit to Hungary as archbishop, he was member of the Vatican delegation. The president of Republic of Hungary, Tamás Sulyok invited him to Hungary during their meeting in Vatican, at the occasion of the initiation of Leo.  

Leo and the other Leos in the Church 

Saint Leo the Great, the 1st Leo: Church Teacher, Church Father, fighting pope, grounded integrity of the Vatican and the church in the 5th century. Leader of the christologian council of Calcedon.  

Leo 2nd: he announced in the year of 680 the doctrines of the Constantinople Council saying that in Christ there is present the human and God-like nature at the same time. 

Leo 10th: present at the Lateran council in 1512-17 and excommunicated Martin Luther from the Catholic church in 1521, he is a meaningful pope during the period of reformation.  

Leo 12th: take part in the Paris Peace Conference 1814, implemented the reform of the Pontifical State. 

Leo 13th: pope for 25 years 1870-90-ies, a political personality, who had successes in the diplomacy, he strengthens the inner life of the church and wrote the encyclical RERUM NOVARUM in 1891.  

All Pope Leos had excellent properties, making good decisions, performing lasting, enduring goods.  

The name of Pope Leo XIV.  refers to Leo XIII., to his social teaching, to the importance of social justice. Leo wants to continue the road of Leo XIII as the era of AI is the same as the industrial revolution in the 19th century. Rerum Novarum has historical importance – it negotiates the social question in the context of the industrial revolution. It protects human dignity, dignity of human work and justice. Rerum Novarum is the 1st encyclical of this kind:  

  • atrocious injustice, the wealth is concentrated in the hands of few, and the majority of people is poor; the question of private property (it is regarded to be good and necessary, following the theorems of Thomas Aquinas and the previous teachings of the Catholic Church) 
  • situation of the workers, wages (the own wealth of the worker is good, it connects to his homeland better than the wage labourer. capitalist and workers are not antagonistic enemies, labour without capital and capital without labour is not possible, the class warfare is not necessary, the two classes (capitalists and workers) must make peace in love. 
  • thoughts about the common good, last paragraph: about Love, as queen of virtues. This is the most meaningful and detailed chapter in the encyclical.  

Summary: Leo XIV. is a very promising pope, capable to answer the challenges of our times.  (Sister Laura Baritz) 

Pope Leo XIV: ‘Peace be with all of you’

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first public remarks since taking over as leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. He urged the world to seek peace and remember those who suffer. 
Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful and the world invoking peace and pledging to work for a united Church faithful to Jesus and to the Gospel.
Pope Leo XIV greeted the city of Rome and the world with these words at his first appearance as the Successor of Peter from the Central Loggia of St Peter’s Basilica:
Greetings to Rome and to the world!
Peace be with you all!
Dear brothers and sisters, these are the first words spoken by the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for God’s flock.  I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world.  Peace be with you!
It is the peace of the risen Christ.  A peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering.  A peace that comes from God, the God who loves us all, unconditionally.
We can still hear the faint yet ever courageous voice of Pope Francis as he blessed Rome, the Pope who blessed Rome, who gave his blessing to the world, the whole world, on the morning of Easter.  Allow me to extend that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail!  All of us are in God’s hands.  So, let us move forward, without fear, together, hand in hand with God and with one another other!   We are followers of Christ.  Christ goes before us.  The world needs his light.  Humanity needs him as the bridge that can lead us to God and his love.  Help us, one and all, to build bridges through dialogue and encounter, joining together as one people, always at peace.  Thank you, Pope Francis!
I also thank my brother Cardinals, who have chosen me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk together with you as a Church, united, ever pursuing peace and justice, ever seeking to act as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ, in order to proclaim the Gospel without fear, to be missionaries.
I am an Augustinian, a son of Saint Augustine, who once said, “With you I am a Christian, and for you I am a bishop.”  In this sense, all of us can journey together toward the homeland that God has prepared for us.
A special greeting to the Church of Rome!  Together, we must look for ways to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges and encourages dialogue, a Church ever open to welcoming, like this Square with its open arms, all those who are in need of our charity, our presence, our readiness to dialogue and our love.
Translation: And if you also allow me a brief word, a greeting to everyone and in particular to my beloved Diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people has accompanied its Bishop, shared its faith and given so much, so much, to continue being a faithful Church of Jesus Christ.
To all of you, brothers and sisters in Rome, in Italy, throughout the world: we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that moves forward, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close above all to those who are suffering.
Today is the day of the Prayer of Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii.  Our Mother Mary always wants to walk at our side, to remain close to us, to help us with her intercession and her love.  So I would like to pray together with you.  Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole Church, for peace in the world, and let us ask Mary, our Mother, for this special grace:
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
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Visited the Home for the Elderly in Páty with the Hungarian Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

In a joint initiative of the Hungarian Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Christian Democratic Institute, we visited the Home for the Elderly in Páty together with Her Excellency Karima Kabbaj, Ambassador of Morocco. During our visit, the Ambassador shared stories of her homeland with the residents of the home guiding them through the cultural treasures of Morocco.

After the tour of the elderly home and the presentation on Morocco given to the elderly by H.E. Ambassador Karima Kabbay, we also visited the ceramic workshop of the disabled who are living in protected housing on the same premises next to the elderly home.

This excursion was a very touching and enriching experience and we thank H.E.Ambassador Karima Kabbay and all those who came with us for spending this memorable morning together with CDI at the eldery home of the charity service of the Order of Malta in Paty.  We also thank Monika Hajdu, the director of the elderly home in Paty for her kind reception and heartfelt hospitality!

We very much look forward to our next activity within the framework of the Lady Ambassadors’ Charity Initiative – as it is just as Madam Zsuzsanna Nagy had pointed out during our last Conservative Ladies’ Breakfast: The rewards of getting engaged in charitable activities are plentiful for all involved.

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“Don’t Give Money, Give Your Time, Give Yourself” – 6th Conservative Ladies’ Breakfast with H.E. Zsuzsanna Nagy

In a world where financial donations and large charity events often dominate conversations about philanthropy, a powerful message emerged from our latest Conservative Ladies’ Breakfast: true support goes beyond money and many times is happening rather quietly. It was an absolute honor and great pleasure to welcome H.E. Zsuzsanna Nagy, wife of the Hungarian President, Dr. Tamás Sulyok, as our distinguished guest to our 6th Conservative Ladies’ Breakfast. This inspiring event, organized in collaboration with the Foundation for a Civic Hungary, focused on the theme of volunteering and was titled “Helping Helpers.”


Gathering more than 40 accomplished women from diverse sectors – including several Ambassadors and high-ranking representatives from the public and private domain – the event provided an opportunity for meaningful discussion on the significance of volunteering and the necessity of supporting both professional and non-professional caretakers. As a mental hygienist and family therapist, Madam Zsuzsanna knows how great everyone’s need is for connection, acceptance, and listening. For the past two decades she has worked as mental health specialist and family therapist, a lot as a volunteer: in kindergardens, in child and adult psychiatry, and as a family supporter.

Madam Zsuzsanna passionately shared her insights on the importance of mental health protection, underscoring the essential role of those who dedicate themselves to caregiving. Whether they are trained professionals or individuals providing care out of love and duty, their well-being is often overlooked. As Hungary’s First Lady, Madam Zsuzsanna has made it a priority to advocate for these unsung heroes, emphasizing the need for community support and active engagement which go beyond financial contributions.

Her words struck a deep chord with the audience, sparking engaging conversations about the various possibilities and also the personal fulfillment that comes from offering one’s time and presence. The discussion reinforced a universal truth: while donations are valuable, it is the personal involvement, empathy, and dedication of individuals that create lasting change in the lives of those in need.

This event also aligns closely with the values and mission of CDI’s Lady Ambassadors’ Charity Initiative, which, in cooperation with the Hungarian Association of the Order of Malta, aims to facilitate regular visits to the institutions of the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta and to enable engagement in charitable activities therewith. Through such visits, the participants gather valuable insights and also show their appreciation and respect to those who dedicate their lives to caring for the most vulnerable – be it the elderly, the sick, or the poor. This collaboration reflects a profound commitment to hands-on humanitarian support, emphasizing the power of presence overmaterial assistance.

This breakfast was more than just an exchange of ideas and wonderful conversations – it was also a call to action as each one of us has the power to make a difference by being present, by listening, and by offering our time to those who need it most. Let’s not forget that true generosity is not measured in money but in the willingness to give a piece of ourselves to others.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to H.E. Zsuzsanna Nagy for her inspiring words and unwavering commitment to this cause. And to all the remarkable women who attended, thank you for your dedication to making the world a more compassionate place – one act of kindness at a time.

 

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“The Situation in Latin-America – Challenges and Opportunities

This roundtable discussion organized in cooperation with the Danube Institute focused on the current political and social developments in the region, particularly on the role of the São Paulo Forum. The event’s keynote speaker was Alejandro Peña Esclusa, leading expert of the Christian Democratic Institute, who provided an in-depth analysis of the challenges Latin America is currently facing and needs to overcome.

During his speech, Peña Esclusa emphasized that Latin Americans are growing increasingly disillusioned with socialist governments. He explained that left-wing leaders affiliated with the São Paulo Forum have deep connections to drug cartels that hold significant power over the region. Moreover, convicted criminals have also been among the members of the organization.

According to Peña Esclusa, the current struggle is not merely an ideological battle but a broader conflict in which defenders of democracy are fighting against organized crime. He also highlighted the importance of the U.S. decision under President Donald Trump to designate drug cartels as global terrorist organizations, a move that could play a crucial role in restoring stability to the region.

Our other guest was Zsolt Németh, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Hungarian Parliament, who noted that international political shifts, particularly in the United States, are creating new opportunities, for Hungary as well. He stated: “The Trump tornado fundamentally changes Hungary’s political maneuvering, allowing for much broader action.”


John O’Sullivan, President of the Danube Institute, who was our moderator and host as well as speaker warned that the São Paulo Forum is actively working to obstruct the national-conservative movements emerging in Latin America and elsewhere. He stressed the need for international organizations that can effectively respond and counter progressive leftist ideologies.

At the end of the event, Alejandro Peña Esclusa’s book, “Classical Art and Cultural Marxism,” was presented. The book explores the intersection of art and politics in modern societies, shedding light on the ideological battles shaping contemporary culture.

The roundtable discussion provided valuable insights into the political challenges facing Latin America, the role of the São Paulo Forum, and the required responses of conservative movements worldwide to these threats.

5th Conservative Ladies’ Breakfast

On the occasion of our 5th conservative ladies’ breakfast jointly organized by PMA and CDI, we were honoured to host Gál Kinga, MEP, First Vice-Chair of the Patriots for Europe Group and Vice- President of Patriots.eu party, and Bólya Boglárka, Ministerial Commissioner who genuinely shared their insights and thoughts on Hungary and the EU with us.

 

Reconciliation and Tolerance: Foundation for Lasting Peace

Executive Conference of Centrist Democrat International (IDC.CDI)

Kheang Un, P.D., Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Cambodia

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. War has haunted mankind since time immemorial, causing destruction and suffering. As we speak, wars are raging in many parts of the world. In some instances, wars were waged believingly to end wars. Unfortunately, peace remained elusive. These conditions are partly because efforts to build and sustain peace were not cultivated in the young.

2. In these brief remarks, I will make three points. First, we need to know how to instill a culture of peace in our youth. Second, we need to promote inclusive and sustainable development for youth. Third, we need to promote cross-cultural understanding among youth.

3. In conflict societies, youth are involved in wars and violence, which, in many cases, are perpetuated in vicious cycles. Youth, therefore, should learn and then share best practices that can effectively end these vicious cycles. I want to share some recent Cambodian history with you—a valuable episode of history that teaches us how these cycles can end. The area we gather in today was—not long ago—a battleground between Khmers and Khmers. International intervention through the United Nations contributed to ending the protracted conflicts in Cambodia, but only partially. It was the vision of Former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen that ended the war. His vision is that war cannot be finished by war. Only through negotiation and reconciliation can a lasting peace be achieved. Underpinning Prime Minister Hun Sen’s elegant vision is that negotiation and reconciliation must be anchored on a Win-Win principle that honors former adversaries’ dignity, property, liberty, and status.

4. The Cambodian government instills the values of peace, reconciliation, and tolerance in its youth. The Cambodian government designated May 20th as a day of remembrance of the darkest period of Cambodia’s history, during which the Khmer Rouge destroyed the foundation of the society and killed over 2 million Cambodians. The government constructed stupas in memory of those who had perished. This is a reminder to Cambodian youth that we can forgive the perpetrators, but we should not forget the enormity of the suffering and destruction Cambodia has endured. The government also constructed the Win-Win Monument, inscribing the history of negotiation and reconciliation that led to eventual peace in Cambodia.

5. Throughout history, we learn that our forebearers and our contemporary fellows uttered the burning desire that war should not occur. Yet, it did! In all cases, youth participated in wars; however, they are also victims of wars. The causes of war are many. War originates from scarcity, unequal resource access, and lack of economic opportunities. These factors accumulate, resulting in hopelessness. These are the root causes of conflict. Therefore, the government must promote positive peace by pushing Sustainable Development Goals to reduce poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. Youth can help alleviate these root causes. For example, the Union of Youth Federation of Cambodia contributes doctors to fight the spread of COVID-19, promotes E-learning, partners with businesses to promote vocational training and employment opportunities, and undertakes systematic land registration.

6. Peace on earth can be achieved only when there is peaceful coexistence among nations. Peaceful coexistence occurs only when the youth of different countries understand each other’s values, priorities, and interests. Lack of such understanding often leads to misperceptions that, in turn, foster mistrust and hatred, which are sources of conflicts. Such

mutual understanding can be promoted by exchanging visits by youth to each other’s countries. These visits should also be accompanied by activities that foster mutual understanding. As we gather here, some forces are attempting to deglobalize. Youth exchanges and related activities will create a counterforce to this deglobalization pulse. With their awareness of the shortcomings of current globalization, the youth will mold globalization into an inclusive and future-focused one.

7. A Khmer proverb says, “Bamboo shoots cherish bamboo.” Similarly, youth cherish humanity. Another Khmer proverb says, “To live is to hope.” In this context, when we have hope in our youth, we will live confidently that our children and grandchildren will inherit our planet and help transform it into a more harmonious one.

8. Thank you for your kind attention.

Keynote address by Christiaan Alting von Geusau: The Relation between Faith and Education

Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau is the Co-Chair of the Christian Democratic Institute’s Advisory Board, leads the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN), which he founded in 2010 to provide Christian politicians with faith formation, education and networking opportunities. He is the founder and principal of Ambrose Advice e.U., a company that provides strategic advisory and leadership coaching to senior public office holders around the world. Dr. von Geusau is Rector emeritus and Professor for Philosophy of Law and Education at ITI Catholic University in Austria and honorary Professor of Law at the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola in Peru.