There has been huge focus on the Catholic Church over the past number of weeks.
As Pope Francis’ health declined, media commentary intensified following his death and subsequent conclave which has elected our new Pope Leo X1V.
I believe that such focus has been largely positive. World leaders acknowledged that Pope Francis in his Christian witness gave tremendous moral leadership to billions of people.
His message of kindness and compassion deeply resonated with a generation often divided and starved of spiritual hope.
His final visit on Easter Sunday, to embrace the people of God physically, gave witness to the tremendous value of human life, from the cradle to the grave, from the womb to the tomb.
The church never fails to surprise. I never personally heard the name Robert Prevost.
Yet, the College of Cardinals, in record time, selected this man because of his wisdom, compassion and gifted sense of leadership.
There is something about Leo! he comes across as calm, capable at peace with himself. I sense his interior life is rich and that manifests with warmth and serenity.
The fundamental task of the new Pope is to preach the Risen Christ. Our world longs for hope.
These beautiful May days fills us with deep joy. Christ risen from the dead tells us not to be afraid but to trust all will be well.
There is a palpable sense of goodwill towards our new Pope Leo X1V. Following Pope Francis, whose words and example reached out to a global audience rooted in the compassion and love of Jesus Christ.
I have no doubt, Pope Leo, is fuelled by a similar deep spirit, of conviction in the Risen Christ. The church, in selecting a “New Peter” has discerned the voice of the spirit and in doing so, I pray, Pope Leo, will have many years of health and peace.
Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, is the 267th pope of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City State, elected on May 8, 2025.
He is the first U.S.-born pope, the first from the Order of Saint Augustine, and a dual citizen of the United States and Peru, where he served extensively as a missionary.
Raised in a devout Catholic family of French, Italian, and Spanish descent, Prevost joined the Augustinians in 1977, was ordained a priest in 1982, and spent significant periods in Peru, including as Bishop of Chiclayo (2015–2023).
He became a cardinal in 2023 and was prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops before his election. His episcopal motto is “In Illo uno unum”—words pronounced by Saint Augustine in a sermon on Psalm 127 to explain that “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.”
Choosing the name Leo XIV, inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who championed social justice, he signals a focus on Catholic social teaching, unity, and addressing modern challenges like artificial intelligence.
His first address emphasized peace, inclusivity, and continuing Francis’s legacy, advocating for a “church that builds bridges.” Known for his calm demeanour, multilingual skills (English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese), and pastoral experience, Leo XIV is seen as a centrist with progressive leanings on issues like poverty and migration but more moderate on doctrinal matters. His inauguration Mass is set for May 18, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square.
God bless Pope Leo XIV and give him the wisdom and courage he needs for his new mission as Vicar of Christ.
The fact that the election was completed as quickly as it was tells me that there was significant unity among the Cardinals about what the Church needs.
Quoting Saint Augustine, Pope Leo said: “with you I am a Christian and for you I am a bishop”. In that way he seems to signal his commitment to a synodal Church in which we walk together, listen to one another, and listen to the Word of God, but also a Church is which recognises the particular pastoral and teaching mission of the Bishop of Rome.
Pope Leo’s focus on peace and on dialogue gives me great hope. His choice of the name Leo is significant, because the previous Pope Leo (Leo XIII) is the Pope who, in very troubled times, initiated the Social Teaching of the Church, which focuses on the dignity of human work, on rights and responsibilities associated with property, justice and peace, integral development and care of the earth. Habemus Papam!
I pray that Pope Leo XIV be strengthened in his ministry. May he continue building bridges that connect us to one another. May he be an example of faith, hope and love.
I pray that the Risen Christ fills him with joy in his work and a renewed in the Gospel message.
SEE ALSO – Tailteann Cup: Wicklow put Laois to the sword to leave knockout chances in danger
