Recently in the media we have often heard the Latin phrase, “Habemus Papam”, (We have a Pope), after a new Pope, Leo XIV was chosen. And so, in this great season of Easter, we give thanks for our new Shepherd, Pope Leo XIV and we pray that he will guide our Church with wisdom and compassion.
As noted in the media outlet “Fox News 5”, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the former Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, spoke with joy that the first American Pope in history had been elected. He stated, “Yes, he’s American” and he “is really a citizen of the world since he has spent so much of his ministry in missionary work and zeal for Christ in South America.” In recent years, Pope Leo has also worked closely with Pope Francis in an administrative position in the Vatican. He speaks many languages and comes to the Papacy with a wealth of experience.
The outlet also noted that “His choice of the name ‘Leo’ was seen as significant, referencing both Pope Leo the Great and Leo XIII, signaling an intent to emphasize both strong leadership and social teaching.” Cardinal DiNardo acknowledged that Leo the Great was Pope in the 5th century and that he helped to save the city of Rome in a time of great chaos. Leo XIII was Pope in the 19th century during a time of significant secular trends in the world, and he emphasized the need for social justice.
It is also noteworthy that media outlets that often tend to be critical of Catholicism were generally favorable in their coverage of Pope Leo and the Catholic faith. Many people, in media reports, enthusiastically expressed their Catholic faith. Hopefully the coverage of Pope Leo will encourage more people to embrace the faith we proudly profess.
The following “A Prayer for Compassion in Global Ministry” provided by the media outlet, “Prayerlist”, asks God to guide our new Holy Father:
Merciful Father, You are the God of all comfort and compassion.
Today we pray for Pope Leo XIV, asking You to clothe him with the heart of Christ in every mission,
conversation, and encounter.
As he ministers to people across continents – rich and poor, powerful and forgotten –
may compassion be the fragrance of his leadership and the foundation of his ministry.
Let him see each soul not as a statistic, but as Your beloved creation.
Soften his heart to feel the pain of the suffering, the lost, the persecuted, and the misunderstood.
Give him the words to heal broken spirits, the discernment to speak truth in love,
and the actions that demonstrate the Gospel in power and kindness.
May he be known as a Pope who weeps with those who weep and rejoices with those who rejoice. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, we are strongly encouraged to continue to pray for our Pope as he shepherds the Church of tomorrow.