Catholic community looks forward to new papacy with joy and hope
Pune: During a visit to Vatican City last year Lourdes Daniel, Bishop Emeritus of Nashik, met
Pope Leo XIV
when he was cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. The new head of the Catholic Church was incredibly easy to speak with, warm, approachable, and genuinely pleasant in their conversation, he said.
"Some of us were heading to St Peter's Basilica for Mass, and he chose to quietly join us. Another priest from our group captured that moment in a photograph I will always treasure. It was the only time I met him, but it left a deep impression," Daniel added.He was struck by the gentle and constant smile which made everyone around the would be pope feel welcome and comfortable. "There was a serene humility in him that's rare and deeply reassuring. Pope Leo XIV carries a quiet strength and a spirit of openness that the world now needs. His papacy will bring compassion, wisdom, and a renewed sense of connection," he said.Excitement among the Catholic community the world over spread as soon as the white smoke was visible on Thursday after a group of 133 cardinals, the largest conclave ever, elected a new pope. His followers in Pune said the new leader will bring about changes, discipline, and justice.Catholics like Marie Stella said Pope Leo XIV's first greeting was 'Peace be with you'. "This is what Jesus said when he appeared to his apostles after his resurrection. It resonates deeply with the community. Everyone wants peace. The new leader will continue Pope Francis's legacy."A pope's choice of name indicates his papacy's priorities. Father Malcolm Sequeira, Bishop of Amravati, said Pope Leo XIV's choice of the papal name is a powerful one."At a time when the world is divided and hurting, we need strong moral leadership. We need a leader who can engage with global communities and work for peace, and change. We believe he will help build bridges, speak for the voiceless, and bring important social changes. This is a hopeful and historic moment," Father Sequeria added.Father Roque Alphonso, vicar general, Diocese of Poona, said that it is a significant moment for the Church, "We express our deep gratitude to God for the gift of a new Shepherd to the Universal Church," he said. They will soon decide on dates for a special mass.Father Colin Hendricks, rector at St Patrick's Cathedral, said that an American pope is a pleasant surprise. "Pope Leo XIII was a stalwart. We are looking forward to a lot from the new pope. He will further the mission of Pope Francis, and the changes will be led by the spirit of God."Father Mariano D'Silva, parish priest at Church Of Our Lady Of Perpetual Help, said, "Pope Leo XIII was legendary and the new pope has indicated he will bring about change and instill more discipline."Other Christians have reposed faith in the new leader. Frank Freese, retired CEO and principal of The Bishop's School, said, "The new pope seems to be a down-to-earth, simple and deeply religious man. He appears to be conscious of people's spiritual needs. It is possible that he will rid the Church of harsh rules that are difficult to follow."
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