The first public words to the world of Pope Leo XIV:  "Peace be with you all."  For the full text, visit here.  He emphasized being a bridge builder.  His episcopal motto has do with unity and Christ who unites us.

     I'm still waiting to see why our new Holy Father picked the name Leo.  Read his homily at his first Mass as pope here.  Leo XIII can be described as the first modern pope.  Unlike his predecessor Pius IX who warned against modernity, Leo XIII sought to build bridges and engage the modern world.  Based on our new pope's first homily, I wonder if he will attempt to build bridges to those caught up in the modern world today.  Whereas, Leo XIII followed the Industrial Revolution, Leo XIV is in the midst of an Information Revolution.

     Many are writing about Pope Leo XIV.  Here's one little summary here.  For a deeper Chicago connection with pictures, go here.

     Yesterday was the feast of the Apparitions of St. Michael the Archangel.  Pope Leo XIII wrote the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer.  For more, visit here.

     Aleteia posted our new pope's calendar here.  Note that his inaugural Mass will be at 4 AM our time on Sunday, May 18th.  Recall that Pope St. John Paul II preached "Do not be afraid" at his inaugural Mass.  Pope Leo XIV may continue with the themes of peace and unity.

     Let's pray for our new pope.

1)  May Pope Leo XIV build bridges among people and between Christ and us.

2)  For all of us to be open to Christ who desires to unite us.

3)  For greater peace within the Church on earth.

4)  For the protection of our new pope.

5)  That our new pope may help us become more missionary in proclaiming Christ.

God love you,

Fr. Jim