I was finishing work on Thursday while a dauntingly long checklist of tasks, in preparation for the big weekend, was staring me in the face… suddenly I heard “Habemus Papam!”.

The Smoke watch was over, the Pope watch had begun. All tasks postponed, I sat watching and praying. 

The mood took a downturn when they mentioned American. It got quieter when they mentioned the name Leo. 

Then he came out to address us. A smile on his face. Rheumy eyes filled with tears. Emotions playing all over his face and the weight of his responsibility bowing his shoulders as the enormity of the moment settled in…

This is the peace of the Risen Christ, an unarmed and disarming peace, humble and persevering. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally. We still have in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed Rome!

The pope who blessed Rome gave his blessing to the world, to the entire world, that Easter morning.

Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God cares for us, God loves all of us, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God’s hands. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward.

He chose to speak in Spanish and remembered his parish in Peru.  

To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close especially to those who suffer.

I spent time researching him. Despite my misgivings, I feel hope blossom. He feels like the right person in the right place at the right time. 

All we can do now is pray! Long live Pope Leo XIV!