Dear Parishioners,
Announcement of Great Joy, we have a Pope!
As the white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel about noon yesterday, we rang the church bells to announce the good news. We were discussing the possible selection among ourselves as we waited for the announcement. Some thought that since the conclave was so short, it would be one of the top names mentioned, coming to the quick conclusion that it was not an American.
Then, about an hour later, we heard the announcement from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. Since my Latin is a little (a lot) rusty, I picked up the first and second names thinking, “I didn’t know that Cardinal Robert Sarah’s middle name was Francis?” I missed the last name in all the cheering.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, emerged confidently, dressed for the office that he had just been elected to. His first words to the world were the same as Jesus’ first words to those gathered in the Upper Room on that first Easter Sunday: “Peace be with you!”
The first American chosen as the 267th Pope, taking the name Leo XIV, is from Chicago, a graduate of Villanova University in Pennsylvania, and an Augustinian missionary.
Who would’ve guessed? “Those who enter the conclave as pope, leave as cardinals,” and the Holy Spirit moved swiftly.
God bless you, Pope Leo XIV from Chicago!
We rejoice with the Universal Church for our new Holy Father and marvel again at the work of the Holy Spirit among us, inspiring the electors to choose an American.
What a great day to be a Catholic and an American!
The 1PM Mass this Sunday, May 11, 2025, will be offered for the intentions of Pope Leo XIV.
God Bless!
Fr. Francis Passenant, Pastor
