A Thrilling Election: Meet Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV Acting as Intermediary and Construction of Connections
It's been an exhilarating turn of events! In a faster-than-expected conclusion, the 133 cardinals unanimously chose Leo XIV as our new pope on the second day of the conclave.
Simply put, there wasn't much time for any machinations or scheming, be it influenced by the gripping papal film "Conclave" or conspiracy theories. The age-old adage, "He who enters the conclave as a future pope, leaves as a cardinal," once again held true.
First Impressions: Why Leo XIV Keeps Us Hopeful
A native of Chicago and part of the Augustinian Eremites order, Robert Francis Prevost is no stranger to high regard within his monastic community, including his Viennese brethren. With a network that spans the globe, he emerges as a humble, multilingual, and open-minded individual. The pope appointed him as the head of the Vatican's seminary for future bishops just two years ago.
Building Bridges of Peace
By nature, Leo XIV is a peace-maker and a bridge-builder – two essential qualities for a pope. In his days as a bishop, he deftly navigated various viewpoints and factions thanks to his exceptional listening skills.
His motto: "Peace be with you all" – a truly disarming peace, he aspires to bring to the world. His papal exhortations at the beginning of his pontificate called for seeking peace and justice without fear. With his synodal church, he is intent on reaching out to all those who bear pain and hardship. The world is crying out for peace, and his global network is a beacon of hope in these trying times.
From Leo I to Leo XIII: A Historical Perspective
It's clear that the new pope has our full support, and I'm convinced that God will bless us with more peace on the ground of justice in this world.
Toni Faber has been providing spiritual guidance in Vienna since 1997.
The pope, Leo XIV, was appointed by 133 cardinals on a Thursday, breaking the stereotype of the conclave as a venue for factions and machinations. Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, from Chicago and part of the Augustinian Eremites order, is known for his humble demeanor, multilingual skills, and open-minded approach towards various viewpoints, making him an effective bridge-builder. His leadership in the Vatican's seminary for future bishops and his motto, "Peace be with you all," indicate his aspiration for widespread disarming peace in the world. With a global network and a synodal church, he is poised to reach out to those in pain and hardship in these challenging times.