We have a Pope! Many of us stopped what we were doing to watch the news coverage of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, greeting for the first time the people in St. Peter's Square, asking for their blessing and blessing them. We witnessed their joy and joined them in praying for our new pope.
His election is truly historic. This is the first time the pope is from the Americas. Coming from Argentina, he will have a new perspective to bring to the papacy. We are just learning about him. He is a holy man, who has led a remarkably simple life and has been a good pastor to the people of his diocese.
I was surprised that he chose the name Francis. He is the first pope to choose this name. Surely, he must have a great devotion to St. Francis of Assisi and see him as a model for the Church's mission of evangelization. As bishop and cardinal, he proclaimed Jesus' love for those in need and was a courageous advocate for the poor.
For the past few weeks, since the announcement of the resignation of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the anticipation of a new pope has been building. Was this excitement of people everywhere – believers, and non-believers too – not an expression of our need today for the unique gift that the Successor of the Apostle Peter brings to the world? We need his witness of faith and his bold proclamation of the Good News which gives us hope.
Jesus promised to pray for the Apostle Peter, so that he might strengthen his fellow disciples in the faith (Luke 22:32). We thank God for giving the Church Pope Francis and pray for him. May the Holy Spirit pour out on him the gifts he will need for his ministry to the Universal Church.
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community