Pasce Oves Meas: The Pope's Unchanging Mission

This week, the eyes of the world once again turn to Rome as the College of Cardinals convenes to elect a new Successor of Peter, following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. Many of us have been inundated with media coverage surrounding Pope Francis’ legacy, potential successors (the papabili), and the future of the Catholic Church. Discussion has arisen on the many challenges awaiting the next Pope: complex diplomatic relations, worsening Vatican finances, and the proclamation of the Gospel in a world that often seems indifferent yet still yearns for truth. Amidst all this, the readings for this Second Sunday after Easter emerge as a reminder to all of the Pope’s primary duty—a duty that those electing him, and indeed all of us, should keep firmly in mind: to feed Christ’s lambs, tend his sheep, and preach his Gospel with boldness.

The first reading narrates the attempted suppression of the Apostles early on in their preaching by the Jewish elders. These leaders, fearing the Apostles' growing influence and wishing to avoid the conviction of their role in Jesus's crucifixion, had already warned and punished them to stop their work. However, Peter's bold response to them should inspire current church leaders, particularly the incoming Pope, who might be tempted to prioritize temporary worldly advantages over the truth of the Gospel: "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).

Christ’s command to preach the Gospel to all of mankind is an unavoidable duty for any bishop. In a world beset by problems of all kinds, it is the role of the church, represented chiefly by her bishops, to propose the Gospel as a remedy for these problems, be they moral, social, or economic. And the Lord promises them his support of their mission, as exemplified in the early preaching of the Apostles, whose successors they are. Earlier in the quoted chapter of the first reading, the Apostles are freed by an angel from prison after having been put there for their preaching. The next Bishop of Rome, whose voice has historically carried significant moral weight, can have confidence in this divine promise as he faithfully transmits the truths of the Gospel and Sacred Tradition to an unbelieving world. He must not shrink from this important task to appease the world.

The Second Reading for this Sunday offers us a glimpse of the heavenly liturgy. John the Visionary sees all the saints in heaven worship Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God, who took away the sins of the world by the shedding of his blood (John 1:29). This heavenly liturgy, characterized by adoration and sacrifice, is often not fully reflected in many Catholic churches today. It has often been said by liturgists that the law of prayer is the law of belief (lex orandi, lex credendi). This, along with the second reading, underscores the importance of the church’s public prayer as a tangible expression of the truths she preaches and upholds. It is the duty of the bishops, and above all the Roman Pontiff, to safeguard this expression (Lumen Gentium, 26).

The now deceased Pope Francis once said, “I believe that we have lost the sense of adoration in our day.” His statement is very much a reflection of the current liturgical life of much of the Church. Too often, the church’s liturgy has been tailored by clergy to the passing trends of the world. A renewed emphasis on adoration and sacrifice is urgently needed in the Church today. The Pope and the bishops can and should uphold and encourage the Church’s liturgical heritage, enabling local churches throughout the world to reflect the worship of the heavenly Jerusalem.

The Gospel for this Sunday narrates the appearance of the Risen Christ to the Apostles at Lake Tiberias. Having been led by Peter to an unsuccessful catch of fish the previous night, Jesus performs for them the same miraculous draught of fish he performed when he first called them to be fishers of men (Luke 5:10). But more importantly for Peter, Jesus questions him three times if he loves him, restoring him after his threefold denial of him during his Passion. Peter’s response, and that of all of his successors, is the same:

“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you” (John 21:17).

Jesus’s response to him, in turn, to feed his lambs and tend his sheep, officially entrusts to Peter the mission of Universal Pastor and remains the primary duty of every Pope.

As we look forward to the papal conclave this Wednesday, let us pray that the one elected to the Petrine Office be filled by God with a zeal for preaching the Gospel, upholding the church’s liturgical traditions, and shepherding God’s people. May he be a bold and courageous witness to his master, Jesus Christ, who is and always will be the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). May all bishops of the church be inspired by the work of their forbears, the Apostles, who spread the Gospel far and wide, even at great personal cost. And may the day soon come when Christians everywhere be united in Christ and to his Vicar on Earth, so that they may be under one flock and one shepherd (John 10:16).