As the world watched, the century-old process began to unfold at the Vatican in Rome to select the next Pope of the Catholic Church after Pope Francis’ death. And then, on the second day it was announced that The Conclave had elected Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome.
“Peace be with all of you!” – were the first words of Pope Leo XIV. He went on to say to the huge crowd “We can be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, that is always open to receive everyone—just like in this square, to welcome everyone, in charity, dialogue and love.”
Pope Leo XIV went on to say: “To all who sent prayers, love and hope as I begin this sacred journey–thank you! I accept this role not as a throne, but as a vow: to serve the forgotten; to uplift the broken, to speak plainly where others stay silent. To be called “woke” in a world that sleeps through suffering is no insult–it is Gospel. Woke means awakened by compassion. Guided by truth. Humbled by grace. Committed to justice–not just for some, but for all. So let them mock. Let them sneer. We will still build the Kingdom–not with walls, but with love. Be awake,be loving, be woke.”
Wow…be still my heart and soul! Once I read these words (even referring to our current “woke” environment), I was SO touched and impressed with his encompassing compassion and humility similar to his predecessor, Pope Francis. In addition, Pope Leo XIV is more progressive when it comes to social issues and champions the poor and migrants. Leo has also forcefully supported efforts to manage the impacts of climate change..all giving rise for hope and courage to keep our lights shining at this seemingly dark and challenging time.
All of this, personally, was reminiscent of when our Episcopal Church announced many years ago, they had elected the first gay Bishop. The Pastor of our Church in Colorado Springs, announced to our congregation that “we are about anyone needing us/our church is welcome as Jesus preached”. Again, a wow moment for us all…we went on to market to the local Gay Pride Community.
Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in a town near the city’s South Side, Prevost became a friar of the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982. His service has included extensive missionary work in Peru from 1985 to 1986 and from 1988 to 1998, where he served as a parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary teacher, and administrator.
Pope Leo, who has a rich cultural and immigrant background, has not spoken openly about his roots, in fact, may have an ancestral connection to Haiti. Eventually both sets of his great- grandparents had lived in Louisiana since at least the 1850s and reflected the unique cultural tapestry of Southern Louisiana.
A United States citizen and a naturalized citizen of Peru, Leo XIV is the first pope from North America, the first from Peru, and the second from the Americas after Francis. He is the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine. His papal name was inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who developed Catholic social teachings.
His experience and travels served him well. In addition to his native English, Leo speaks Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, along with some German. He can also read Latin.
The bonds between Leo and Francis ran much deeper than their South American geographic roots. In January 2023, Francis called Prevost to the Vatican to serve as leader of the Dicastery for Bishops, the office that selects bishops around the world. According to PBS, Prevost presided over one of Pope Francis’ most notable reforms that added three women to the voting base that decides which bishop nominations are forwarded to the pope.
The selection of this/our new Pope…no matter our religious or spiritual affiliation, provides hope for a kinder, more compassionate world…what a boost to our holistic wellness. Stay woke Wellness Warriors!
Spiritual Meditation: Like raindrops on a pond rippling out, our prayers and acts of kindness ripple directly to the center of the universe. – Daily Medicine
Political Humor: Ikea makes better cabinets than the current Administration.