Dear friends,
what emotion to hear the resounding phrase ‘Habemus Papam’!
Ancient words that are always new, words that always mark a new beginning. We have great joy because the Lord cares for His Church, and the Holy Spirit is always at work, acting with surprising wisdom and simplicity.
Pope Leo XIV’s name indicates a mission in continuity with the past that knows how to open itself in a wise and creative way to the challenges of the present, whilst also looking towards the future. He does not ignore what has been, but takes account of what the present time demands and implores the help that comes from the peace of Christ and not that of the world.
The new Pontiff's first words were the greeting of the Risen Christ: Peace be with you!
It is a greeting that gives comfort to our souls that are troubled and frightened by wars, uncertainties and confusion. He heartened us by proposing a ‘synodal’ path that is not an end in itself, but an instrument for him to be a ‘Christian with [us] and Bishop for [us], as St Augustine teaches. In that way, we can journey together following the Risen Lord.
The last confirmation that the election was the work of the Holy Spirit was the fact that it coincided with the 8th May, an important Marian date. In antiquity, this date was dedicated to St. Michael and, more recently, it was also chosen by Blessed Bartolo Longo for the recitation of the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii. By reciting the Hail Mary, the Holy Father reminds us that we are all equal, all children of the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Together, we form the people of God with our visible Head, the Pope. The Hail Mary is the prayer that gives birth to, nourishes and protects the Body of Christ, which is the Church.
Let us begin a new chapter in our history. As children of the Church of all time, let us pray for Leo XIV and, with the Virgin Mary of Revelation, let us start afresh. It is with Mary, Mother of the Church, that we will succeed in all our undertakings.
God bless us
and the Virgin protect us.