Did You Know?

On Thursday, 8 May, Cardinal Robert Prevost – an American! , was elected and chose the name Pope Leo XIV. We pray for our new Holy Father and for his intentions as he shepherds the 1.4 billion Catholics around the world and fulfills his role as “Pontifex Maximus” – which means “Supreme Bridge-Builder” – for the world! While many ‘talking heads’ will analyze, predict, propose and dissect Pope Leo from their various perspectives, it is helpful to consider the words of Pope Benedict XVI, who wrote of Peter’s Successors: “We have grown accustomed to making a distinction between ‘Peter the Rock’ and ‘Peter the Denier of Christ’: that is, Peter as he was before Easter (‘Peter the Denier’) and as he was after Pentecost (‘Peter the Rock’), the Peter of whom we have constructed a singularly idealistic image. But he was in reality at both times both of these. . .Has it not been thus throughout the history of the Church that the Pope, the successor of Peter, has been at the same time ‘petra’ and ‘skandalon’ – both the ‘Rock’ and a ‘stumbling block’? In fact, the Faithful will always have to reckon with this paradox of Divine choosing that shames pride again and again.” If we believe that Christ chose Peter, with all of his weaknesses and stumblings, intense faith and courageous following, to lead his fellow disciples then we believe that God has likewise chosen, through the college of Cardinals guided by the Holy Spirit, Pope Leo XIV! Yes! We pray in thanksgiving for Peter’s Successor!