Although I am neither a theologian nor an expert on the teaching of the Church, I found the moment of choosing the next Pope deeply important. I would never shy away from the fact that faith plays an important part in my life. No, I am not better than anyone else because I believe. However, I find it extremely helpful to know that I have, to put it simply in lay terms, someone I can spiritually lean on or rely on.
I am also aware that, as we live in a more secularised society, religion to some is becoming less relevant. However, I am personally convinced that the faith communities continue to make such a positive and meaningful impact on our communities.
Now, back to the Vatican! Cardinal Robert Prevost becomes 267th Pontiff, as the first American Pope! He has chosen to be known as Leo XIV. Born in Chicago, he spent many years in South America, in particular in Peru. He actually holds dual citizenship. Some argue that he is young (69) and inexperienced as he was nominated by Pope Francis as a Cardinal only 2 years ago. He comes from the Augustinian order. Some say that he has a joyful, outgoing character and a very good sense of humour.
The Catholic Church is at a big crossroad. The tensions between the liberal and more traditional wings of the Church have deepened. I am delighted that he already emphasised the importance of building bridges and creating opportunities for dialogue. I am pleased that, although he is described as a moderate, he might continue and enhance the work that has been undertaken by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
In an interview with Vatican news in 2023 he said: “One must not give in to the temptation to live isolated, separated in a palace, satisfied with a certain social level or a certain level within the church”. The authority we have is to serve, to accompany priests, to be pastors and teachers.” This is crucial; the church and its leaders have to come out of their comfort zones, blend in with the ever changing society, stand firm to defend its values and principles, but try to embrace every challenge and difficulty.
I am certain that people who might have a negative view of the Church and a religion as a whole might question the relevance and the excitement of this pontifical process and I get it. The Church has a lot of flaws and weaknesses. It did hurt a lot of people and it made a lot of mistakes along the way. But why are we surprised? The Church, like any other organisations, is made of humans, who are sinful with plenty of limitations. Church is a bit like a hospital, where we go to get better; physically or spiritually.
Let’s hope that today’s selection of the new Pope will bring hope, wisdom and “ocean of graces” to all people across the world!
PS Without trying to seek some secrecy, I wonder whether there is a political aspect of the most recent election of the new Pope. Is this a coincidence that a new Pope comes from America? God does work miracles! I really can’t wait to see how the new Pontiff will challenge intellectually and morally (surely, it shouldn’t be too difficult!) the President of the United States.
* Michal Siewniak is a Lib Dem activist and councillor for Handside ward, Welwyn Hatfield.
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9 Comments
Pity it was an all male short list.
@David Raw – have you been watching Conclave?
Thanks for this, Michal. As a Catholic, my approach is very much the same as yours.
One point which has so far been largely overlooked by the media is the choice of his name – Leo XIV. He clearly feels inspired by Pope Leo XIII, known at the time as “the workers’ pope”. In the late nineteenth century he initiated what has become Catholic Social Teaching, demanding that the wretched conditions of the working classes of his day had to be improved, and condemning both unfettered capitalism and the Communist class struggle. Apparently he was also the first to advocate the concept of subsidiarity.
I hope Leo XIV will be inspired by Leo XIII to have something to say about how it is morally wrong that the world’s wealth should be trickling ever upwards into fewer and fewer hands – something that needs to be said much more often – not least in Trump’s America.
Building bridges is literally the job of the Pontiff. There ‘s a clue in the name.
The post says
“The Church has a lot of flaws and weaknesses. It did hurt a lot of people and it made a lot of mistakes along the way. But why are we surprised? The Church, like any other organisations, is made of humans, who are sinful with plenty of limitations. Church is a bit like a hospital, where we go to get better; physically or spiritually.”
But the Church is not *just* like any other organisation (made up of humans, etc). In addition, it seeks to impose a set of moral codes on not only its own followers, but on others in society – and does so with the threat of eternal torture.
So the scandals do not only represent massive wrong-doing (in both the crime, abuse of trust and cover-up), but additionally gross hypocrisy.
” He has chosen to be known as Leo XIV.”
What wrong with Robert 1st ?
Sometimes people’s ignorance is amazing. A MAGA spokesperson has claimed that the new pope is a Marxist and certainly not America First. This reveals that the spokesperson neither understands Christianity nor Marxism. A quick glance at the pronouncements of the new pope suggests he supports action to help the poor, and supports a humane approach to immigration, both in accord with Christian theology. Marxism is a revolutionary philosophy designed to overthrow the capitalist system and replace it with a government of the proletariat. The pope has never even suggested that he supports that.
I conclude that there will be no meeting of minds between Trump supporters and Pope Leo.
Who would have thought it?
Francis was the first American pope. Leo XIV is the first NORTH American pope.
@ Peter Martin
“What’s wrong with Robert 1st”
Maybe the new pope realised that he couldn’t name himself after Robert The Bruce as he had murdered his rival in a church in 1306 and was ex-communicated!!!