HOMILY
Mass of Thanksgiving for the Election of Pope Leo XIV
Jeremiah 1:4-9; Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13; Matthew 16:13-19
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Six days ago, the life-giving winds of the Holy Spirit swept through our world and into the hearts of the cardinal-electors of our Church, prompting them to call forth from their midst Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost to lead the Church as the 267th successor of Saint Peter.
And so, we give thanks to God this day for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. His very election is testimony to the words he proclaimed in his first meeting with the cardinals of the Church two days after his selection as Pope. “It is the Risen Lord, present among us, who protects and guides the Church, and continues to fill her with hope through the love ‘poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.’”
In reflecting upon the historic nature of the selection of Pope Leo, our first scripture reading from the prophet Jeremiah is a reminder of the unique, challenging and miraculous ways in which God continues to work in our lives. Jeremiah protests God’s desire for him to speak on his behalf to the nations. “Ah, Lord God, I know not how to speak; I am too young.” Jeremiah gave whatever excuse he was able to muster to avoid his calling – and then conceded to the words of the Lord, “Have no fear, because I am with you to deliver you.”
While Pope Leo himself acknowledged that the call to lead the Catholic Church is clearly beyond his own limited abilities, like Jeremiah, he put aside his fears, trusted in God’s mercy and wisdom – and said yes to lead our Church.
What is so compelling, however, about Pope Leo’s election is that it not only speaks to the continuity of the papacy for two millennia – it not only speaks of the mystery of God’s plan for salvation – but in a very consoling and encouraging way it speaks to our lives – here in North America – doesn’t it?
We have an American pope! A man who was born in the same neighborhood of South Chicago – as my grandfather – was called by God to stand before us as Peter – the rock upon which Jesus chose to build his Church! … A man, who heard the same call to priestly ministry as a teenage boy in his parish church, that countless numbers of us have and will hear, is our Holy Father! … A White Sox fan who enjoys playing tennis and Wordle was able to discern the voice of God speaking to his heart and said yes to God’s plan, despite his fears and apprehensions.
This unexpected choice to lead our Church through the grace of the Holy Spirit has much to say to us today, brothers and sisters. Pope Leo’s selection is a sign to all the world that despite our shortcomings, the Church in the United States is vibrant and strong. It acknowledges that for generations, American Catholics have truly sought to embrace the Gospel with compassion. It also speaks to the goodness that has grown in the church of North America – a goodness bearing fruit in service and evangelization. Finally, it affirms the hope that is ours – especially when I look at so many of you who have joined with me for today’s Mass – the young Church of the Diocese of Scranton.
But, the choice of Pope Leo, whose very roots are among us, calls us as Christians to much more than merely celebration and pride. His election is an opportunity for us to reflect upon what we have done with the grace of Baptism that we’ve been given. His election challenges us to renew our commitment to discipleship, as noted by Saint Paul in his letter to the Church of Ephesus, proclaimed in our second reading this afternoon. “I urge you – all of us – to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
At the heart of today’s gospel passage from Saint Matthew, Jesus asks his disciples – and ultimately Peter – a question. “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In reflecting upon Peter’s response to Jesus and the meaning of the gospel Jesus embodies, we start to understand who we are and what our lives are about, don’t we? Essentially, today’s gospel asks us exactly what we mean when we say the “we believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son and our Lord.”
In his first homily to the cardinals who elected him, Pope Leo reflected upon these same words from Saint Matthew’s gospel as well as the challenges of the world in which we find ourselves – a world in which, sadly, the Gospel message and the truth that it proclaims is often cast aside – a world where mercy is neglected and respect for human dignity has diminished. In the face of such a world, Pope Leo asserted, “We are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Jesus the Savior … and to repeat, with Peter: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
How blessed we are to have been given another Shepherd to lead us in the spirit and example of Jesus. Let us pray that God will bless and sustain Pope Leo in his ministry to our Church and the world. And may we find consolation and hope in these simple words which he shared with us when he was announced to the world as the 267th successor of Saint Peter and Vicar of Christ.
“God loves us and evil will not prevail! All of us are in God’s hands. So, let us move forward, without fear, together, hand in hand with God and with one another other! We are followers of Christ, who goes before us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge that can lead us to God and his love. Help us, O god, to build bridges through dialogue and encounter, joining together as one people, always at peace.”
HOMILY