On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, Pope Francis blessed Rome and the world, extending the peace of the Risen Christ and proclaiming God’s love for all people. Little did we know that this was his last gift to us, as on the next day Pope Francis died. In our grieving we asked ourselves the question, “What happens next?”
For seventeen days we were held in suspension as the cardinals prepared, and then met in conclave to elect a new pope. Our question became, “Who will be elected?”
On May 8th, with the white smoke and “Habemus Papam” came the news that Cardinal Robert Prevost had been elected and has taken the name of Leo XIV. Then the question became, “Who is this person who has become our shepherd?”
The Holy Spirit has sent the right person for the right time! From the papal balcony, Pope Leo XIV begins his blessing by extending once again Pope Francis’ Easter blessing to us, sending us the peace of the Risen Christ and reminding us of God’s love for each and every one of us. Questions arise: Is he conservative or liberal? Will he be responsible for dividing the Church? Will he reverse the good work of Pope Francis?
Pope Leo XIV asks us to listen to others. He intends to continue the process begun by Pope Francis of synodality, in which the Church listens to all people.
Pope Leo’s priorities include: unity of the Christian Churches, reconciliation among waring nations, and living our Catholic faith in community.
Pope Leo XIV is multilingual, of diverse ancestry, with American and Peruvian citizenship, having directed a worldwide religious order, and having extensive missionary experience. An added benefit – he is from South Chicago, meaning that when he speaks, he tells it like it is. Yes, our new pope is amazing!
Welcome, Pope Leo. May God bless you, and the Holy Spirit guide you.
Lots of questions. Inviting all of you to stay tuned in hope. Joan