When the College of Cardinals convened this week to elect a new leader of the Roman Catholic Church after the death of Pope Francis, few knew what to expect. Would the bishops choose someone who would continue in Francis’ tradition, embracing openness while adhering strictly to church doctrine? Would they perhaps choose someone from burgeoning Catholic communities in places like Asia and Africa? Would they go in an entirely different direction?
On Thursday, when the white smoke emanated from above the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics got something of a surprise. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, of Chicago, was selected pontiff, becoming the first pope of American descent. Prevost, who also holds Peruvian citizenship, took the name Leo XIV.
In ¶¶Òõh, which has more than 1 million Roman Catholics among its 4.5 million residents and boasts the second-oldest diocese in the nation, the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the news created even more of a stir when it was learned that the new pope has familial ties to our state.Â
Jari Honora, a genealogist and historian with the Historic New Orleans Collection, said the 1900 Census shows that the new pope's maternal grandparents were residents of the New Orleans' 7th Ward and that the pope has Creole of color roots.
Even before that revelation, we know prayers for the new pope were being said in cathedrals, churches and chapels throughout the state. We add ours to that chorus.
It is no secret that the Roman Catholic Church in the United States and in Louisian has faced difficulties in recent years. The clergy abuse scandal has left many with trauma and a sense of betrayal by the church. Likewise, differences of opinion over the direction of the church regarding some social issues have left fissures that often feel troubling.
However, the election of a pope is an opportunity to affirm anew the church’s mission in the world. We believe it is important to have leaders whose vision transcends national boundaries and who work to bring together people from many walks of life.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized this role of the church in his first words from the balcony above St. Peter's Square, where throngs were gathered to greet him.
"We have to look together how to be a missionary church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love," he said.
It's undeniable that the pope occupies a unique position of moral leadership for the faithful. But alongside that, for people the world over, the pope can also provide a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. So, along with Catholics in ¶¶Òõh and around the world, we wish Pope Leo XIV the best and hope, as he leads his flock, he can render healing to all the world.
