Pope Leo addresses the audience with gratitude at the beginning of his ministry. The article reflects on the emotions experienced after the death of Pope Francis and the subsequent conclave. The College of Cardinals sought to elect a successor capable of preserving Christian faith and addressing contemporary challenges. Pope Leo expresses his desire to serve the faith and joy of the people, emphasizing love and unity. The Pope references the Gospel, highlighting Jesus' mission to be a 'fisher' of humanity.
6 months ago
Pope Leo began his pontificate with a homily expressing profound gratitude and humility, acknowledging the intense emotions following the death of Pope Francis 1. He reflected on the period of sadness and feeling "like sheep without a shepherd" after Pope Francis's passing, but emphasized the certainty of the Lord's enduring presence and guidance 1. Pope Leo noted that the College of Cardinals, through the working of the Holy Spirit, achieved harmony in electing him as the new Successor of Peter, despite their diverse backgrounds 1.
The core of Pope Leo's message centered on "love and unity," drawing from the Gospel account of Jesus entrusting Peter with the mission to "feed my lambs" 1. He explained that this task is possible only through experiencing God's infinite and unconditional love, which enables Peter to love others with a self-sacrificing "more" 1. The Petrine ministry, therefore, is defined by this self-sacrificing love and charity, asserting that the Church of Rome presides in charity, not through force, propaganda, or power 1. Pope Leo stressed that the Pope is called to serve the faith of his brothers and sisters and walk alongside them, as all are "living stones" building God's house in communion and diversity 1.
Pope Leo articulated a strong desire for a united Church that serves as a "sign of unity and communion" and a "leaven for a reconciled world" 1. He highlighted contemporary issues such as discord, hatred, violence, prejudice, fear of difference, and economic exploitation, stating that the Church aims to be a "small leaven of unity, communion and fraternity" in response 1. The Pope urged the world to look to Christ, welcome His word, and embrace His offer of love to become one family 1.
The new pontificate's missionary spirit involves not closing off in small groups or feeling superior, but rather offering God's love to everyone 1. This mission seeks a unity that values individual histories and diverse social and religious cultures, without canceling out differences 1. Pope Leo called for a shared path not only among Christians but also with other Christian churches, followers of different religious paths, those searching for God, and all people of goodwill, to build a new world of peace 1. He concluded by echoing Pope Leo XIII, suggesting that if the criterion of God's love prevailed, conflicts would cease and peace would return 1.
The Papacy's role: preserving faith and serving the faithful?
The Papacy, through the office of the Bishop of Rome as the Successor of Saint Peter, plays a crucial role in preserving the faith and serving the faithful within the Catholic Church . This role is rooted in divine institution and is essential for the unity and mission of the Church .
The Pope's primary responsibility in preserving the faith stems from his unique position as the successor of Peter, to whom Christ entrusted the keys of the kingdom of Heaven and prayed that his faith would not fail .
The Pope's service to the faithful is multifaceted, encompassing governance, unity, and pastoral care for the entire Church.
In summary, the Papacy's role is divinely instituted to ensure the Church's fidelity to revealed truth and to foster the unity and spiritual well-being of all believers through its teaching, governance, and pastoral care .