Did you see the movie “The Two Popes”? It portrayed the interaction between Pope Francis and Pope-emeritus Benedict.
However, during these past several weeks everyone has been speaking a lot about Pope Francis and another Pope, our newly elected Pope Leo XIV.
Beloved Pope Francis chose as his papal moto a phrase from St. Bede the Venerable’s homily on Jesus’ call of St. Matthew. “Miserando atque eligendo” means looking upon him with mercy. Mercy became one of the central themes of the Holy Father’s 12-year papacy.
Pope Francis left a legacy of justice, love and humility. His life is summed up in this verse from the prophet Micah (6:8): “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Francis lived that, and he called us, challenged us, to do likewise especially in the most difficult of situations.
Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, was born in Chicago. I have not heard yet if he rooted for the Cubs or the White Sox while he was growing up, but being raised on the city’s south side, I guess that he was a Sox fan. I imagine that he enjoyed his share of deep-dish pizza, too.
The windy city served as a springboard for him to experience life in other places, such as the main line outside of Philadelphia while studying at Villanova University; Chiclayo, Perú where he led his flock as Archbishop; and most recently the corridors of the Vatican as he headed the office that recommends to the Pope the names of men for consideration for the Episcopacy.
Additionally, his two terms as Prior General of the Augustinians put him in contact with people from all over the world.
Pope Leo has been prepared by his life experience for this enormous task.
May you rest in peace, Pope Francis. Long live Pope Leo.
By Monsignor Thomas Orsulak, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle, Reading, and regional priest coordinator of Hispanic Ministry for Berks, Carbon, and Schuylkill deaneries.
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