May 8, 2025. “Habemus Papam,” declared Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti from the central loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica, following the ringing of bells at the same basilica. Robert Prevost, previously a Cardinal, emerged on the balcony of Saint Peter’s as the new Pope, taking Leo XIV as his papal name.
“Peace be with all you,” the new pope said as his first public pronouncement.
Yes, Holy Father. The Catholic Church urgently needs the peace and unity that comes from Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Princeps Pacis), as well as Truth Himself.
Yes, the Catholic Church can be welcoming to all, but only by being holy, catholic, and apostolic.
Holy Father, you must unabashedly proclaim the immutable truths of our venerable religion, and lead the Catholic Church founded by God Himself to greener pastures, rather than preach a “watered down” Catechism aimed at appeasing the enemies of Jesus Christ.
Once the celebrations at Saint Peter’s Square have simmered down and the crowds dispersed, the world watches with eager anticipation, Holy Father, as to what you intend to do as the new Successor of Saint Peter the Apostle.
Holy Father, will you boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel of Jesus to all nations, as well as anathematize errors and heresies?
Will you constantly refer to the Church’s perennial magisterium and catechism as guidelines for your pontificate and leadership of the worldwide Catholic Church?
Will you be like your predecessor Leo XIII, who was greatly devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and ardently promoted Her Rosary?
Will you be like Leo XIII also in his devotion to the Archangel Saint Michael to steer Holy Mother Church away from the powers of darkness into the light of Christ’s teaching?
Will you imitate Leo XIII in his fearless defense of Catholic social doctrine amidst our highly technocratic and materialistic world, while explicitly condemning the errors of Communism and modernism?
Will you guide your flock away from the encroaching forces of liberalism, globalism, “climate justice” and “woke” ideologies?
Will you preach on the Four Last Things (Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell), and warn the world – that we could damn our souls in the fires of Hell for all eternity – if we continue to offend God?
Will you explicitly distinguish Catholic truth from error, and firmly anathemize the deceptive heresies and fads that threaten to confuse the world?
Or will you, be merely a politician and bow down to the pressures from the globalist overlords of this world?
Will you, be only a diplomat in the eyes of the world and tone down on Catholic teaching on the existence of Hell and its torments, in favor of “global warming” and “climate justice”?
Will you simply issue motherhood statements, again, pressured by the liberal and increasingly heterodox forces within the Vatican, claiming to “listen” to the needs of Catholics?
Holy Father, as Catholics trying to be faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ and His church, we look up to you as our new shepherd for guidance and inspiration.
We know that you are surrounded by wolves, some of them who are already out of the closet, while others are still hiding beneath the veneer of sheep’s clothing.
We know the immense weight of the problems which confront you as you begin your days as the new Vicar of Christ. What an immense responsibility to be accounted for, in front of the Divine Tribunal in the next life!
We know that you may spend countless sleepless nights trying to reconcile various opposing factions within the Catholic Church – between Catholics faithful to Our Lord and the “progressive” ones trying to serve mammon instead of God.
Yet despite the numerous trials which await you, Holy Father, will you be like your predecessor Saint Peter, asserting the truth of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the point of giving up his life for the Catholic Faith, crucified upside down?
“Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God,” said Saint Peter.
Or will you be like the treacherous disciple Judas, who betrayed his Rabbi with a kiss?
The Catholic Church – and the rest of the pagan world – looks upon you, Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, at this momentous time in history.
May Almighty God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and all your holy papal predecessors before you, aid you in your pontificate. May you be the “Lion” the Church needs, as your name “Leo” signifies, a “Lion” that is strong in the faith, and courageous in face of persecution.
