Habemus papam! Which in Latin means, we have a new Pope. The white smoke rose just 2 days into the election process, and the Cardinals of the Catholic church elected Robert Prevost, a 69 year old American born, Augustinian priest.
My friends (especially non- Catholic) have aske me what I think of him. I know nothing about him, but not to worry, every journalist in the world is digging up information, looking under every rock to find some dirt. Dozens of informative stories have already been written attesting to his goodness. My take on it is biblical. “You will know them by their fruits” Mt: 7:16-20. I also believe we are judged by the company we keep.
After Judas betrayed Jesus, the disciples gathered and decided it was necessary to replace him. They drew lots between the two most worthy men, those who had spent much time learning from Jesus. Matthias “won”, and became the new 12th Apostle. The Apostles did not look at it as gambling, but as receiving God’s will. God’s grace is also there at the Conclave inspiring the Cardinals to choose wisely. They will either listen to the promptings, or ignore them.
Robert Prevost became an Augustinian priest and served over 20 years with the poor in Peru. His home town was Chicago, Il. But he did not stay there as a priest. He did however, get Spiritual direction from an Augustinian Monk, Fr. Day, director at the Institution on Religious life. Fr. Day was most likely an inspiration for Robert choosing the Augustinian religious order.
Another notable priest from the Institution of Religious Life was Venerable Bishop Fulton Sheen who is in on the path to being named a Saint by the Catholic Church. *
Anyone who spends decades with the poor is not looking for accolades. Fr. Robert Prevost was eventually noted for his good work and promoted to Bishop. He was only very recently raised to Cardinal by Pope Francis.
I have been reading some of the back stories, most very favorable. One I liked was on his family. In the article his brother said his family always knew he would be a priest. Even from a very young age. They said he was very serious about his faith. Even his play time involved “playing” a priest, with robes and tables with table clothes as an Altar. A neighbor across the street from his childhood home said he was a special and holy boy and would one day be Pope. They thought that a silly idea at the time, since there had never been an American Pope.
As interesting as all these stories are, I place more importance at this time; in the name he chose as Pope. Pope Leo XIV. His predecessor in name, was Pope Leo the XIII. He was a strong defender of the Faith and human rights. He reigned for 25 years (1878-1903), during turbulent times in the church and society. The industrial revolution had changed countries and its workers. Human dignity was often sacrificed in poor labor practices. He wrote an encyclical Rerum Novarum, outlining the rights of workers for fair wages, safe working conditions and freedom to form trade unions. He encouraged leaders to rule in a Christian way. Pope Leo the Xlll was also noted for a strong devotion to Mary the Mother of Jesus. He wrote 11 encyclicals on the value of the Holy Rosary. He consecrated the entire world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
He is most famously known by Catholics as the author of the ‘Saint Michael Prayer.’ (Saint Michael is known to most Christians for battling the devil in Revelation 12: 7-9.) Pope Leo XIII is reported to have penned this prayer after Mass one day. It is said he had a vision while still in church of a conversation between Satan and God. Satan was bragging that he could corrupt and destroy men’s souls and the Catholic Church, if only he had enough time. Satan was granted 100 years. (And we all know what those looked like.)
The Pope also saw St. Michael, ready to intervein. After composing the prayer, instructions were made to have all the faithful recite it at the conclusion of Mass. This prayer was prayed at the end of every Low Mass (weekday) from 1886 to 1965. Unfortunately, after Vatican 2, to shorten the Mass time, all post-Mass prayers were removed. But many faithful Catholics still pray this powerful prayer. Pope Francis encouraged the recitation of this prayer, especially after the rosary.
The prayer is short but strong.
“Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray, and do thou O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan, and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.“
Like his predecessor in name, our new Pope faces massive societal challenges. Socialism, modernism, AI, wars, gender confusion, homosexuality, atheism, and a decline in belief in God, just to name a few. Just days into his pontificate, he has already spoken on the importance of marriage between a man and women being of necessity to Families and society.
It was also noted that Pope Leo XIV’s opening prayer was said in Latin. (He speaks several languages.) It is hoped by many traditional Catholics, that perhaps this is a sign he will remove the restrictions on the Latin Mass made by Pope Francis. Whatever course he takes, all eyes will be on him. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, this Pope too, can strengthen the Church and the faithful. This is what we pray for.
Also see American Girl’s article, “What Makes a Saint.”
