By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
Members of the diocesan community joined Bishop Joseph M. Siegel May 9 for a Mass for newly elected Pope Leo XIV, who will serve as the 267th pope in the history of the Catholic Church.
Bishop Siegel celebrated the 5:30 p.m. Mass at St. Benedict Cathedral one day after the announcement that Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, would serve as the 266th successor of St. Peter. Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States.
In his homily, Bishop Siegel noted our new Holy Father was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He was educated at Villanova University and Chicago Theological Union. Pope Leo XIV knows and understands the culture of the United States and the challenges and opportunities of the church in our country, Bishop Siegel said. He also has a wide view of the world and the heart of a missionary, Bishop Siegel said.
Bishop Siegel said in his homily that Pope Leo XIV joined the Augustinian order and served in the missions of Peru. He was eventually elected superior general, where he traveled far and wide. In the process, he came to know the situation of the church in many parts of the world, Bishop Siegel said. Pope Francis named Pope Leo XIV bishop in Peru before calling him to the Vatican to be the Head of Dicastery for bishops.
Bishop Siegel said in that role, Pope Leo XIV came to know cardinals and bishops all over the world. From that exposure, it seemed the cardinals came to learn of his many gifts, Bishop Siegel said. They seemingly quickly formed a consensus that the former Cardinal Prevost was the best man suited to lead the church in our days, Bishop Siegel said.
The Scripture readings at the Mass May 9 laid out Pope Leo XIV’s primary role as supreme pontiff, to be the great bridge builder between God and his people, the people of the church and the church of the world, Bishop Siegel said in his homily. The first Pope, St. Peter, writes in his letter that all leaders of the church must be witnesses to the death and resurrection of Christ. They are to be selfless and generous to the people entrusted to their care and be an example of humble service, Bishop Siegel said.
Bishop Siegel said the authority and responsibility entrusted to Peter has been passed on to all of Peter’s 266 successors for almost 2,000 years. Throughout his ministry as a priest and bishop, Pope Leo XIV has shown himself to be a great missionary like St. Peter, Bishop Siegel said. We can expect him to urge the church throughout the world to share the gospel far and wide, to renew our efforts at evangelization and to preach and to teach to touch the hearts and open the minds of others through the good news of Christ Jesus.
Bishop Siegel noted before the election, many said they were looking for a pope who loves the Lord. Bishop Siegel thinks in Pope Leo XIV, the Holy Spirit answered those prayers.
Bishop Siegel asked all in this moment of rejoicing to not forget to pray for Pope Leo XIV, whose responsibility is enormous and challenges are many. Bishop Siegel noted whoever serves as Holy Father surrenders his life and his freedom for the sake of the church. One can only imagine what it was like for Cardinal Prevost when he accepted the cardinals’ election and took the honor, cross and burden of serving as the Vicar of Christ on earth, Bishop Siegel said.
At the conclusion of his first appearance May 8, Pope Leo XIV prayed a Hail Mary. In this month of May, the month of Our Lady, Bishop Siegel asked all to try to pray a Rosary each day for our new pope, asking our Blessed Mother to intercede for him, that his ministry may bear good and abundant fruit for the gospel and that he will enjoy good health and length of days, as well as that we will be his good coworkers in spreading the gospel, making disciples and serving those in need.