In his new role as successor to St. Peter, Pope Leo XIV will be known by two common titles. The first is “pope”; the other is “pontiff”. In his ministry as Bishop
of Rome, he is most commonly referred to as pope, a title that is rooted in words like “papa.” It expresses not only a kind of fondness but also the kind of care he is meant to exercise for a family that now counts over 1.4 billion members and which stretches around the globe. Following his election, we have seen how eager Pope Leo is to visit with the members of his “family”. In the few short days that he has occupied the Chair of St. Peter, he has traveled around Rome to begin meeting the people of his new diocese (he is, after all, the Bishop of Rome as well as pope). He has spent time in prayer at holy sites that are important to him, including paying his prayerful respects to a number of his papal predecessors, including Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope John Paul I, and many others. As he has done so, he has revealed himself to be a quietly prayerful person who seems to have a good sense of humor and a ready smile. That warm smile that we see so evident on his face seems to be genuine and a reflection of the great compassion and joy that he brings to his ministry. Like any good parent, I’m sure there will be instances in his ministry that will require him to make weighty and difficult decisions with which not every member of the family will agree. Hopefully, knowing that he is filled with joy and compassion will make those times easier.

The title “pontiff” comes from the Latin word “pontifex” which means “a bridge builder.” From his very first actions following his introduction, it seems as though Pope Leo is very keen on being a bridge builder. The words of his first greeting to the world, “Peace be with all of you,” echo the Lord’s greeting of the fearful disciples huddled in the Upper Room on the first Easter Sunday. His greeting of peace resounds in a world that is torn by war, ethnic and religious strife, economic unrest and upsets of many kinds. Pope Leo has made it clear through his very first words that he wants to build bridges of peace and to tear down walls of hatred, suspicion and repression.

Pope Leo also seems to be very intent on continuing to bring a simpler face to the papacy and to the work of the Roman Curia. Among his first encouragements to the cardinals gathered in Rome was the exhortation to make themselves small—to not seek after stature or power, but rather to remember that their ministry is essentially a ministry of humble service. What he encourages in the cardinals is also important for all the faithful, lay and ordained. In doing so, Pope Leo has also been very clear that he seeks to help build a bridge of compassion and sensitivity between the world’s rich and poor. This is certainly in keeping with the ministry he exercised while he was a missionary and bishop in Peru. It seems clear to me that Pope Leo is going to be a caring “papa” and very active pontiff and builder of bridges during his ministry as our pope.

As we continue to thank God for the example and ministry of the late Pope Francis, let us pray for strength and grace for Pope Leo as he begins his ministry as
Shepherd of the Universal Church. May he always walk joyfully and humbly in the footsteps of Christ, the Good Shepherd, whose love and care he is called to imitate and proclaim to all the world. And so, our journey in FAITH continues.