Viewpoint

Pope Leo XIV, an Augustinian and the first North American to be elected pope, was chosen in the fourth round of voting on May 8.

Quoting St Augustine, who said, “With you I am a Christian and for you, a bishop. Together we must try to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges and always dialogues, that is always open to receiving everyone like this square with its arms open to everyone, everyone in need,” Pope Leo XIV said.

When one reign ends and a new one begins there is always a mixture of sadness and joy. In many respects Pope Francis was a people’s pope. The global outpouring of grief at the news of his passing was testament to his popularity. He enjoyed meeting and greeting people and his focus was very much on families.

He once said the family is “the fundamental cell of society” but admitted “there’s no such thing as a perfect family, for each family has its own problems, as well as its tremendous joys.”

The Majellan can only concur as stories about families have been our focus for 76 years. Pope Francis’ prayer intention for March was about “families in crisis,” and he asked people to pray for families. While families were a strong focus he was also concerned about social justice, refugees and immigrants, the health of the planet and forging closer relationships with other faiths.

Pope Francis was not afraid to stir the pot, comfortable voicing an opinion on a range of topics. Once, when asked a question about gay people, he said, “If a person is gay and seeks God and has goodwill, who am I to judge that person?” He went on to say, “And people should not be defined only by their sexual tendencies: let us not forget that God loves all his creatures, and we are destined to receive his infinite love.”

While the Church’s official stance on homosexuality is unchanged, Pope Francis criticised laws that criminalise homosexuality, calling them “unjust.” And Pope Francis reached out to the LGBTQ+ community and listened with compassion to their stories. 

Pope Francis will also be remembered for his advocacy on behalf of the marginalised, the poor, and the oppressed. He said the fight against poverty, climate change and injustice was not just a political or social task, but a moral calling.

So, a new era begins. Pope Leo XIV will shape the Church is his own way. There may not be much change in the short-term, but the new pontiff will make his mark.

We wish Pope Leo XIV every success. As we move deeper into the twenty-first century, at a time of increased secularisation and global turmoil, may God’s light shine upon him.

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