There is something poignant and memorable to words. First words especially, uttered by a person or institution can become not only revealing but immortal. For example, on July 20, 1969, astronaut Neal Armstrong uttered the first words on the moon. He said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
During this Easter season we as a Church have been hearing again and again in the Gospels the first words of the Risen Lord, namely, “Peace be with you.” Jesus resumed his promise of peace begun in the 14th chapter of John’s Gospel as part of his Farewell discourse when he said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27). We hear these same words echoed every time we come to Holy Mass. Moreover, in the early Church the Holy Eucharist was often referred to as “The Peace.” Jesus desires that we know his peace.
Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that in greeting the world for the first time from the loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica the newly elected Pope, Pope Leo XIV, echoed these same words of Jesus when he said, “Peace be with you.” The American born pontiff acknowledged these first words of the Risen Lord and said, “I too wish that this greeting of peace may enter our hearts and reach your families, all people wherever they may be, every nation, the whole world: peace be with you.” And perhaps it is no small wonder that these words have been warmly welcomed and received by Catholics and non-Catholics alike for we live in a time and place where peace is elusive and endangered on many fronts.
Noted French spiritual writer, Father Jacques Phillipe acknowledged this fact in 2002 in his book, “Searching for and Maintaining Peace: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart.” In the Preface he writes, “Our day and age is one of agitation and inquietude.” He adds, “However, it is essential for us to come to understand that the way to God and the way to perfection that is demanded of us is shorter and more efficacious, markedly easier too, when one has learned, little by little, how to conserve in all circumstances, a profound peace of heart. Because then the heart allows itself to be driven by the Holy Spirit and God is able to do more with it by his grace than the heart could do by its own efforts.” Father Jacques Phillipe then in the first part of the book says, “Acquiring and maintaining interior peace, which is impossible without prayer, should consequently be considered a priority for everybody, above all for those who want to do good for their neighbor.” Suffice to say, peace is a priority for Jesus, and it is just as imperative for the new Vicar of Christ on earth, Pope Leo XIV. Equally, it should be vital for every human being. The words, “Peace be with you,” from the lips of Jesus echoed throughout the time are more than just words. They are a promise, a vision, and a prayer that must remain a priority for every person and nation.
Pope Leo’s first encounter with the world included not just words but a vision in continuity with Jesus and Pope Francis. The vision can best be understood through three images presented by the new Pope. The first image is that of the Good Shepherd. In his inaugural address Pope Leo refers to Jesus as “the Risen Lord and Good Shepherd.” The Shepherd knows the sheep and protects them from evil. The image of the shepherd is inextricably linked to the sheep. The shepherd leads the flock, and the sheep listen to his voice. Jesus notes in the Gospel that “there will be one flock, one shepherd.” The Shepherd seeks to effect unity. Pope Leo is passionate about this task as his Motto is, “In the One, we are one.” This is taken from the Augustinian tradition in which Saint Augustine commented on Psalm 127 and said, “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.” Pope Leo is calling us to unity even in the face of division and diversity. It is important that we heed his voice and do our part to be good and faithful sheep. And for those of us ordained to be shepherds, this is a time to renew our role.
The second image presented by Pope Leo XIV is light. Pope Leo in speaking about Christ noted that he goes before us. He said, “The world needs his light.” Jesus is the light that casts out all darkness. He is the light of the world. It is interesting to note that the motto of Pope Leo XII centered on this image, namely, “A Light in the Heavens.” Pope Leo XIV is building on the vision of Leo XIII who brought light and hope to workers, the poor, and victims of injustice not to mention the efforts of his immediate predecessor, Pope Francis, who brought the light of the Gospel to the peripheries. In this time and place, Pope Leo is calling us to bring that same light of Christ to all living in darkness.
The third image presented by the newly elected pontiff is that of the bridge. Pope Leo in speaking about Christ stated that “Humanity needs him as the bridge that leads us to God and his love.” Jesus can bridge the deepest gaps in our lives and the greatest divides among nations and peoples. Having been born in what is often referred to as the City of Bridges, I can tell you that without bridges cities and towns would be isolated and people would be disconnected. Pope Leo knows the power of being a bridge. The word Pontiff literally means “bridge builder.” Thus, in his first address, Pope Leo said, “Help us—and help one another—to build bridges through dialogue, through encounter, so that we may all be united as one people, always in peace.” Pope Leo is calling us in the spirit of Francis to keep walking together in encounter and synodality striving to be one.
Finally, Pope Leo XIV first encounter with the world featured not only words and images but also prayerful intercession to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Pompeii, saying, “…may our Mother Mary Walk with us, remain close to us, and help us with her intercession and love.” And then Pope Leo led the large crowd in the recitation of the Hail Mary seeking not only her grace but also reiterating her sacred role as the Mother of the Church and that first disciple who when confronted by the angel with such mystery, simply said, “Fiat,” that is, “Let it be done to me as you say.” She also said at that first miracle of her Son, “Do whatever he tells you.” I would venture to say that as Pope Leo called upon Mary and gazed out at the large crowd mindful of the burden of his new office which he would later characterize to his brother Cardinals as both a “cross and a blessing,” her example became a moment of true grace and her words a source of strength. No doubt Mary’s example and words are an inspiration not only for Pope’s but for anyone who espouses to be a follower of Jesus Christ. And so, we pray, “Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us.” And tonight, in this greatest of prayers, the Holy Mass, we pray for our new pope, Pope Leo XIV, may God bless him abundantly so that he may courageously echo the promise and vision of Jesus and be a holy shepherd of peace and light always striving to build bridges and realize the great priestly prayer of Jesus, “That All May Be One.”
