Embarking on the Journey from Francis I to Leo XIVMay 27, 2025

Embarking on the Journey from Francis I to Leo XIV

What has been your reaction to the naming and Installation of Pope Leo XIV? Were you excited that the Pope was an American? Were you impressed by the fact at he speaks seven languages?

Frankly, I felt the death of Pope Francis as a genuine loss. His advocacy for world peace, his personal concern for the poor, for immigrants and refugees was inspiring. Francis’ commitment to saving all of creation expressed so eloquently in Laudato Si has had a real impact on my life. While I knew his health was frail, I wanted Pope Francis to “hang on” at a time when the world was in such disarray. Plus I didn’t know who might follow him as Pope. Seeing Pope Francis greeting the crowds in Vatican Square on Easter after such a long and precarious illness, certainly raised my hopes – only to have them dashed the next morning. But God seems to remind us that we are not in charge! In life and in death, he was the Pope Francis we had come to love. Certainly his influence will continue.

It was amazing to me that the white smoke rose so quickly during the election Conclave. The Holy Spirit must have had a very clear voice this time. And the naming of an American came as a great surprise to the world, not just to Americans. Then there were only questions: Does he support the White Sox or the Cubs? Will he wear white as Francis did or the traditional vestments when he appears on the balcony? Perhaps the best answer to one of the first questions was his choice of name: Leo XIV. That choice spoke volumes! The concerns of everyday people will be a priority!

The new pope’s predecessor, Pope Leo XIII published an encyclical in 1891 entitled Rerum Novarum, “Of New Things,” which was revolutionary in its time. The encyclical addressed the social and economic issues arising from the Industrial Revolution, particularly the conditions of the working class and the relationship between labor and capital. The encyclical argues for a just social order where both workers and employees have rights and responsibilities, and where the common good is promoted through fairness and cooperation.

His first word to the world after being named Pope on the balcony was PEACE. He has offered to provide the setting for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. In the homily at his Inaugural Mass, Pope Leo XIV called for mercy in Gaza, for Peace throughout the world, and reminded us we are all One in the One, in Christ. Is this new Pope signaling that something new is happening that is revolutionizing the future of society and the economy? Perhaps. In one of his first audiences with the Media, even before his formal Installation, Pope Leo XIV spoke about the emergence of AI and its potential for negative consequences on society. He emphasized the responsibility of the Media to communicate the truth at a time when fake news is rampant. Every day, even unasked questions are being answered. I keep watching and listening.

A friend told me recently that the election of the Pope is for her a sign that God is definitely taking care of us. What was your reaction to the naming of this Pope and why? I must admit, it has caused me to pause at the realization that for the first time in my life, the Pope is younger than I am.

Sister Anne Marie Diederich