The Holy Spirit does not fail to surprise us as the Catholic Church celebrates the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. An American by birth, he is actually a man of the Americas, both north and south, bridging the realties of both hemispheres with understanding, respect, and a special missionary heart for those who are poor and disenfranchised. In the Synod, he struck me as a shy, gentle, wise man- an excellent listener, and very hard working- someone who uses his authority with and on behalf of others. In one of his interventions, he quoted St. Augustine on the role of the bishop as one who feeds his sheep and does not serve himself. I was so struck by the way that he modeled this self effacing, caring leadership, and how committed he is to pointing beyond himself to Christ, attending to the needs and sufferings of others, and to the importance of an open, inclusive, and participatory Church in service to the world. Tonight, I give thanks for the gift of his election, and encourage us all, including those of other faith traditions, and all those of good will, to offer prayers or intentions on behalf of Pope Leo, for his prophetic role as a voice for the common good, as a bridge builder, and as an advocate for peace, justice, and the care for our common home.
Wonderful “first take” on the new Pope! So much hope here! And that long pause… the drama!
This was fantastic! From your sister the Wisconsinite. ;)
I read this written by a gesuit.
David McCallum SJ
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The Holy Spirit does not fail to surprise us as the Catholic Church celebrates the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. An American by birth, he is actually a man of the Americas, both north and south, bridging the realties of both hemispheres with understanding, respect, and a special missionary heart for those who are poor and disenfranchised. In the Synod, he struck me as a shy, gentle, wise man- an excellent listener, and very hard working- someone who uses his authority with and on behalf of others. In one of his interventions, he quoted St. Augustine on the role of the bishop as one who feeds his sheep and does not serve himself. I was so struck by the way that he modeled this self effacing, caring leadership, and how committed he is to pointing beyond himself to Christ, attending to the needs and sufferings of others, and to the importance of an open, inclusive, and participatory Church in service to the world. Tonight, I give thanks for the gift of his election, and encourage us all, including those of other faith traditions, and all those of good will, to offer prayers or intentions on behalf of Pope Leo, for his prophetic role as a voice for the common good, as a bridge builder, and as an advocate for peace, justice, and the care for our common home.
FIB pope, good one! 😂