Pope Leo XIV & New Beginnings
As I edit this blog post, the television is on. I’m watching as Pope Leo XIV rides in the Popemobile through St. Peter’s Square. This is the first of many times that he will do this.
He is waving at people from all different countries. I see American and Peruvian flags in the crowd. They both make me feel warm inside; my mother is Peruvian and I was born and live in the USA. Diplomats and world leaders have traveled to Rome to attend this inaugural Mass.
At this moment, the world is curious and optimistic about the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church. It’s not every day that we are presented with blank slates in which to make history.
Ten days ago, that famous chimney sent forth white smoke. Believers all over the world were filled with joy; the Church had been orphaned since the death of Pope Francis.
During the Conclave, names of specific Cardinals were put forth as favorite candidates. I always considered this a bit silly; the Church does not work like Presidential elections. Polls are not as useful in this context.
What takes place during a Conclave is secret. Those inside take vows of silence, at risk of excommunication. If no one can go in to eavesdrop, I hardly think our speculation will do much good.
It’s fair to say that everyone was surprised when Cardinal Prevost stepped out as the new successor of St. Peter. The common opinion was that there would not be an American Pope anytime soon. I am still surprised that the 267th Pope, elected a week ago, is an American. With a Peruvian mother, living in the country where Pope Leo XIV was born, I feel that I can see a unique angle of his papacy.
I intend to use this angle and be open with my faith; to begin with, I wanted to reintroduce myself as a Catholic. Twenty years ago, at the age of fifteen, I chose to be baptized in the Catholic Church.
It seems like a remarkable coincidence that an American Pope should begin his papacy on this significant personal anniversary.
I want to write about my faith journey and what it means to me. I used to do it on this blog, but became discouraged because I did not consider myself to be knowledgeable enough; I did not feel Catholic enough to put forth worthy commentary. I now understand that all of our voices deserve to be heard, and if I do not understand something, I can learn. We never do finish learning.
We are discouraged from speaking about politics and religion, for fear of stepping on toes. I am going to assume my readers are able to respect my faith.
If you’ve been following my Substack blog, you’ve seen my historical articles. American history is important to me. This opportunity is perfect! I have a chance to write about American history as it is happening. Why should I refrain?
I was baptized in the 2005, after the death of Pope John Paul II. I’m not a convert; I was given the chance to choose when I was old enough. I had been exposed to Catholicism and its traditions by my grandmother, who would come from Peru to visit with prayer books, holy cards, and statues. She would keep these on her bedside table, where they fascinated me.
After Pope John Paul II died, my mother remembered that I hadn’t been baptized, and asked me if I would like to be. That spring I celebrated my Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation. At this time, Pope Benedict XVI was elected. I was alive for the four most recent Popes in history, but had only been baptized for three of them.
The fact that I chose baptism at an age when I understood it, probably helped me love the faith more. I’ve met a lot of cradle Catholics who don’t seem to think much about the Church’s beauty. It seems that a person who grows up in an environment can sometimes (not always) become desensitized to tradition.
I also have periods in which I lose interest; I’m by no means full of perfect zeal. I constantly have phases when I forget to care about things of God, but I do go back to Him.
As flawed humans, it can be difficult to love something we cannot see. Blessed are those who believe without seeing. We cannot see air, but there’s evidence of it when wildflowers sway in its presence. A thing can be invisible and still make an impact on objects around it.
In a like manner, a Person can be ‘invisible’ to the sight, yet still sensed by a seeking soul. Those who wish to encounter Him, can ask; in humility, they will find Him.
In my mind, three things are true: God is real. God is not always visible. I could not be happy without God.
Religion is difficult to speak of, because many are not able to discuss opposing ideas calmly. While I don’t plan to put forth multiple posts about dogma, there are many interesting events in church history! Certain Saints’ stories are inspiring, even for people who don’t believe. A lot of traditions are misunderstood, yet beautiful after explained.
It is my hope to offer knowledge. It is not my mission to make you believe, as faith can only come from God. The Internet is a great place to find different perspectives. I, for one, have enjoyed learning what friends of different religions and philosophies believe.
Though we are trained to think people of opposing beliefs cannot be friends, the truth is that my most fulfilling friendships have been with people who approach the world differently. There is no need to pick a fight. I might not feel inclined to believe everything my friends do, but I’m always honored when they take time to explain something that was foreign to me.
I know this world has become hostile, intolerant, fearful. People are quick to anger when they encounter something they disagree with. Again, it is not my intention to force a belief down your throat.
I do know that in the coming years, there will be a rise in people wanting to learn about Catholicism. They might not want to convert, but I hope that, since humans are curious by nature, there might be questions in their hearts. It’s my intention to inform, entertain, and celebrate the special time we are living now.
As I write this final paragraph, Pope Leo XIV is about to soon begin his homily. I am eager to hear his words; I’m also eager to share them.
Thank you for reading this post. I look forward to experiencing history with you, and hopefully, having engaging discussions. There is great joy in learning together. Let us not waste this opportunity.
