The first words of the new Pope Leo in his opening address to the world from the balcony over St Peter’s square were of peace; “Peace be with all of you. This is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd. Who gave his life for God’s flock.” Pope Leo also spoke of building bridges and the importance of dialogue, “We can be a missionary Church, a church that builds bridges, that is always open to everyone.” He also emphasised a continuity with Pope Francis by referencing him directly, “Thank you Pope Francis!” he said. These words give us an insight into the kind of Pope Leo wishes to be, bringing continuity and his own insight into the needs of the Church.
Cardinal Vincent spoke to the press after the Conclave. Among other things, he mentioned that the relatively rapid decision was a sign of the level of agreement amongst the Cardinal electors. This is a very positive sign for the future of the Church. It looks like Pope Leo has many of the qualities you would look for in a shepherd; He has international experience. He was born in Chicago to a French father and an Italian mother. He worked among the poor in Peru. He has as been a teacher, Parish Priest, Bishop, Archbishop and Cardinal. Latterly he has worked in the Curia (Vatican offices) in Rome.
He has a passion for the poor and the marginalised. His choice of name, Leo, maybe relates to Leo 13th who was the father of modern Catholic social teaching. Leo 13th wrote the papal document Rerum Novarum (‘Of revolutionary change’), on the rights of workers and the need for the Church to involve itself in promoting social justice in the light of the Industrial Revolution. Leo is perhaps indicating his desire for the Church to reach out to those who are suffering as a consequence of economic and social depravity in today’s world
Pope Leo is a proven leader. He has served as Superior of the Augustinians, elected by his peers (which is a sign the of the esteem his fellows held him in). He was a Bishop in Peru and was elected as the vice president of the Bishop’s conference in Peru. He has been a member of the Curia, serving in many roles in the Vatican, most recently as Prefect of the Dicastery of Bishops – the office that chooses Bishops, a very respected role.
Pope Leo is known as a humble pastor. In his opening address to the Cardinals who elected him, he said, ‘I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian, who said, “with you I am a Christian, for you a bishop”. So may we all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us.’ He later quoted St Ignatius who said that people who exercise authority in the Church should, “make oneself small so that he (Christ) may be known and glorified.” In this way, Pope Leo is emphasising that he is a servant of Christ, and not one to lord it over others on account of his role.
The motto that Pope Leo has chosen, ‘In illo uno unum’ can be translated as, ‘In him who is one, we are one’ or ‘In the one Christ, we are one.’ So, unity with Christ is very much part of his way of thinking. As a bridge-builder (the word Pontiff comes from a Latin word meaning bridgebuilder), Pope Leo is reaching out to us all, welcoming all as he did in his opening address, and calling us all into unity with Christ. I find this vision inspiring, and full of hope.
May God bless Pope Leo in his ministry, fill him with wisdom, courage and insight, and deepen his relationship with the True Shepherd and Servant King, Jesus Christ.
God bless you,
Paul Cummins
Diocesan Administrator
Diocese of Plymouth
Photo © Marcin Mazur/CBCEW