Pope Leo brings to the
papacy both missionary experience and a missionary style that is
reflective and compassionate, with great emphasis on listening. As we
face the various challenges of today and tomorrow, these qualities will
be important.
Pope Leo in his initial remarks reminded us of the peace that comes to
us all from the Risen Lord. This peace is very much needed in these
troubled times.
Let us walk with Pope Leo in transforming our Church
into a truly missionary one, filled with the peace and love of Christ
and which proclaims the Gospel and the Church’s social teaching to the
whole world.
The episcopal motto of Pope Leo is “In Illo uno unum” – words
from Saint Augustine which remind us that, in the words of that great
saint, “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one”.
This is the mission entrusted to our new Pope. It is our mission too.
Please pray for Pope Leo and his ministry as supreme pastor of the Church and may we all walk with him on the journey.