As soon as word got out that white smoke had been seen over the Sistine Chapel, students and staff at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, as well as others from nearby Dehonian ministries, crammed around the television screen at the SHSST lobby to learn who the new pope would be.
“It’s an American!” yelled someone from the back of the crowd. Seconds after, the lobby was filled with cheers as people learned that Robert Francis Prevost, originally from Chicago, was Pope Leo XIV. Soon connections were made: a seminarian recalled serving for then Fr. Prevost at a Chicago parish. Others noted that the new pope studied at Catholic Theological Union where many SCJ priests and brothers have also studied. The group kneeled in prayer, joining millions around the world in a universal moment in a universal church.
For the Priests of the Sacred Heart, the Holy Father’s choice of “Leo” has special meaning. Of course, “Leo” was the first name of our founder: Ven. Fr. Leo John Dehon. However, it was Pope Leo XIII who was “instrumental in the life and ministry of Fr. Leo John Dehon,” wrote Fr. Vien Nguyen, in his letter to Dehonians shortly after the announcement of the new pope. Pope Leo XIII’s “Rerum Novarum” guided much of the founder’s own writings on social justice and his passion for serving the poor, especially the working poor.
“In the encyclical, he [Pope Leo XIII] criticized laissez-faire capitalism for exploiting workers,” continued Fr. Vien. “He argued that labor should not be treated as a mere commodity dictated by supply and demand of the market or as an economic contract, as this undermines the dignity of the worker… “With the name Leo, we hope that Pope Leo XIV continues to focus on the modern social teachings of the Church started by Pope Leo XIII, paying attention to those on the margins.”
Prayer for Pope Leo XIV:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.
Fill him with wisdom, courage and grace as he leads Your Church. May the Holy Spirit guide him in truth, unity and love. Grant him strength in trials, humility in leadership and unwavering faith. We entrust him to Your care, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
