If my speculation is accurate, the new Pope has quick wits. He probably had no idea he would be Pope until yesterday. Amidst all the emotion, he recalled that yesterday was the feast day of the apparition of Saint Michael of the archangel on Mount Gargano near Manfredonia in southern Italy in 492. The feast day was established by Pope Saint Pius V, the Pope of Lepanto. His mind then turned to the Saint Michael Prayer written by Pope Leo XIII, and hence Pope Leo XIV. If this is correct we have a highly intelligent Pope who is keenly aware of the traditions of the Church. For faithful Catholics, this is a good sign I think.
Saint Michael the Archangel and Pope Leo XIV
- Donald R. McClarey
Donald R. McClarey
Cradle Catholic. Active in the pro-life movement since 1973. Father of three, one in Heaven, and happily married for 43 years. Small town lawyer and amateur historian. Former president of the board of directors of the local crisis pregnancy center for a decade.
It is interesting, because as much as Leo may be “in the mold” of Francis, we are going to see to some degree how much the prior Pope was an aberration – the sequence of Leo’s first appearance, remarks, and blessing seamlessly folded into the tradition.
There wasn’t anything banal about yesterday, for which I was thankful. It was also a reminder that the office is bigger than the man and should render any occupant of the Chair humble. I was encouraged. I pray time ultimately bears this out.
Agreed, Donald. Positive signs are there. Praying they prove to be accurate.
Very gratifying observation, Mr. Don!
I celebrated the feast of St. Michael’s Apparition with some solemnity (as he is the Patron of the USMC) and recited the prayer Pro eligendo Summo Pontifice composed by Card. Burke and Fr. Zuhlsdorf. Returning to the office, I almost immediately saw the doors being opened over the central balcony. “That was fast!” thought I.
I confess that I had not made the connection between the St. Michael’s prayer and Leo XIII (of blessed memory), but–maybe too pessimistically–my mind went to Leo XIII as the “Catholic Workers” pope.
In any event, the Seat is no longer vacant; that is a visible sign of the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to Peter and is always a great consolation (or should be).
I pray he defends the Holy Catholic Church with all his strength.
I wish him well.
He was elected far too soon to be a compromise. Most of the electors were selected by Francis.
Considering those two facts, I am continuing to ask for the intercession of St. Thomas a Becket.
In other words, may they get a holier man than they bargained for!
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