Since the last publication, we have experienced a period in the Catholic Church that may only happen a couple of times in one’s lifetime. A change of leadership in our ancient Church, where both mourning and joy come together to forge a new path forward. We mourned the loss of Pope Francis, who taught us to embrace each other and our world in merciful bonds of human fraternity. Following the period of mourning and his moving funeral, our Cardinal electors entered the Conclave to select the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. We did not have to wait long, as on the second day, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost emerged on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as Pope Leo XIV. The first American Pope!
Hand in hand
In his first address from the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV paid homage to his predecessor by a reference to Pope Francis’ last Urbi et Orbi message just two weeks earlier on Easter morning. He said, “God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail!” Pope Leo continued with “Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and each other, let us move forward. We are disciples of Christ.” This phrase … united hand in hand with God and each other, let us move forward … I believe is a profound statement that may offer us a glimpse into Pope Leo’s hopes for our global Church. Walking hand in hand brings an image of solidarity, community and strength. Our journey can appear at times to be “alone” as we grind through life’s challenges and struggles. But are we ever actually alone?
With God and each other
A dear friend of mine, Carmelite Father Jack Welch, once spoke to me about the reality of being alone. We were on retreat at the beautiful St. Bernard Abbey in Alabama. He was the retreat master, and I was his ride to the airport and retreat participant. One afternoon between talks, we took a walk together around the monastery grounds. Our conversation covered the customary topics of sports, politics and faith. I was discerning a possible new chapter in my life and struggling to find a clear path forward. It was obvious that following God’s will meant completely following Jesus without fear and hesitation. I had committed to this path many years earlier, but now I was feeling “alone” and fearful. Father Jack said very simply, “No matter where you find yourself next, God is always, already there.” We are never really alone, as God’s hand is outstretched to welcome us and guide us. In his first remarks to the 1.4 billion Catholics across the globe, Pope Leo was saying reach out, take a hand … a neighbor, a friend, a stranger … because God is already there.
Forward … ¡Adelante!
Although these were the first remarks of our new Pope, I sincerely believe that words matter. He was very careful to encourage us and to remind us that we are not alone, and that we need God and each other to face this journey. Notice at the end of the quote, Pope Leo offered a little nudge to many of us who might be wondering what is next. He said, “Let us move forward.” In Spanish, this phrase can be summed up in one word – ¡Adelante! For the man born and educated in Chicago, who then spent decades in missionary service in Peru, I wonder if this is what he was thinking as he walked out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s. ¡Adelante! This is just speculation on my part, but as a Church, we always move forward, toward Christ our light. Forward is the only direction when walking in faith.
Despite the challenges and struggles facing our world, or the very real challenges facing us each day on our personal journey … we are never alone. God is always, already there, and we are encouraged to move forward in hope – ¡Adelante con Esperanza!
“God Loves us. God loves you all, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God’s hands, therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and each other – let us move forward.” Pope Leo XIV, May 8, 2025.
Learn more about getting involved with Catholic Social Services at www.colscss.org