“We have a Pope.” As the white smoke came billowing out of the Sistine Chapel, everyone in the parish offices waited, as I am sure many of you did, for the announcement made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. And we met our new Pope Leo XIV.

We certainly have a God of surprises! An American citizen. A Peruvian citizen. An Augustinian friar. His chosen name, associated with Pope Leo XIII and a legacy of social justice. The Holy Spirit sent us someone we perhaps least expected, but most need.

I have led a series of discussions about this new leader in our Church. Here are some of the observations that surfaced:

1.) This pope is an unexpected gift to our Church! He is a leader who understands our American culture but has lived among the poor for two decades. His life experiences include both the blessings and challenges of those who are materially comfortable but may suffer from “time-poverty” and those who lack in basic human needs but are rich in trust in God.

2.) He desires to unite us in peace as a human family. I treasure his first words to the world in his “Urbi et orbi” blessing, “Peace be with you all.” In this, our new leader echoed the first words the Risen Christ spoke to his bewildered despairing disciples. Pope Leo XIV prayed that this peace would enter our hearts, reach our families and all people. The sentiments I heard repeated were how in need we are of a peacemaker and a leader who can unite our world that is divided in so many ways.

I think often of how our present culture is dividing families with different ideologies, spiritualities and priorities. I worry about, what I think of as, a “crisis of busyness.” Our families have so little unstructured time just to be with each other. I believe we will ultimately treasure, not what we have, but the time we have spent together. I know my heart is most at peace when I am with the people I love and when I am in prayer and fully trusting God with my life.

3.) Several people noted how he looked when he came out to greet us. They mentioned the emotion they felt they could read in his expressions of appreciation and love. One journalist described it as his “receptivity.” Several told me they were moved by his smile and “open-hearted” expression. If body language can be interpreted, he surely exuded humility and gratitude.  I felt a quiet serene warmth he held for us.

St. Augustine said, “Our heart is restless until it rests in you, O Lord.” In a culture that seems to be in a hurry to do more, have more, be more, the leader of our Church offered us to rest in the Peace of Christ. Our God longs for us to quiet ourselves and be open to that peace of heart. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for Pope Leo XIV!

Watch the video of Pope Leo XIV below to reflect with him, as Fr. Robert Prevost, on how St. Augustine’s teachings are still relevant in our lives today.