Pope Leo has set a few priorities which he has shared with us. His ministry encompasses serving the church that is catholic with a “c” and a “C.”
Catholic with a small “c” means universal. Pope Leo wants to relate to all of the peoples of the world. He is meeting and welcomes all. And wants to have a relationship with people who are Christian, people of different religions, heads of nations, and of differing cultures, and to all people of good will, especially to the poor and those on the edge of society. He is making efforts to bring peace to the world.
Pope Leo wants to serve Catholics with a “C.” He is beginning to appoint bishops who are pastoral and who know their people, bishops who hold on to the traditional doctrines but who are willing to make changes to meet their people’s needs. Pope Leo wants to hear the voices of women and is willing to have women in leadership roles within the Vatican. His priority is to seek unity between Catholics who are traditional and those who are progressive.
We need to keep him in our prayers.
- What are you thinking and feeling about the new pope?
- Do you tend to be more traditional or progressive?
- Is Pope Leo’s leadership leading you to reconsider your priorities?