The American Pope - Pope Leo XIV

The experts said it would never happen. But we have an American Pope! The Papal election of a guy named "Bob" who loves baseball, tennis, and pizza should remind us that any of us "normal people" are called to extraordinary things. 

Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, IL, the future Pope Leo had a normal family life. His dad was a teacher, and his mom was a librarian. Robert has two older brothers who confirmed to the media that the current Pope is a White Sox fan and used to "play mass" as a young child at their suburban home.

Cardinal Robert Prevost chose the regnal name "Pope Leo XIV" in honor of Pope Leo XIII. He knew that Pope Leo XIII dealt with the Industrial Revolution and the Current Pope saw a connection between the human dignity issues that existed in the 1890's and our current age with the advent of artificial intelligence.

Our current Pope has stressed the importance of preserving the traditions of the faith when speaking to the Eastern Rites of the Church. He stressed that the Latin Rites could learn from the "East." He emphasized how our traditions help us to recognize the primacy of God. One of those traditions is the "Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel," which was written by the Pontiff's Predecessor, Pope Leo XIII.

When Pope Leo XIV stepped out on the Central Loggia of St Peter's Basilica, he spoke words of peace and unity:

"Peace be with you! It is the peace of the risen Christ.  A peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering.  A peace that comes from God, the God who loves us all, unconditionally...

Together, we must look for ways to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges and encourages dialogue, a Church ever open to welcoming, like this Square with its open arms, all those who are in need of our charity, our presence, our readiness to dialogue, and our love."

Pope Leo XIV concluded his first speech to the church by leading the crowd in the Hail Mary. Here are his words leading up to the prayer to our Blessed Mother:

Our Mother Mary always wants to walk at our side, to remain close to us, to help us with her intercession and her love.  So I would like to pray together with you.  Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole Church, for peace in the world, and let us ask Mary, our Mother, for this special grace.

Pope Leo XIV is the first Roman Pontiff in history from the Order of Saint Augustine. The Order follows the Rule of Saint Augustine and is named after Saint Augustine of Hippo. Saint Augustine is considered one of the most important Church Fathers of the Latin Church.