What Our New Pope Should Do

As Pope Leo XIV assumes the helm of the Barque of Saint Peter, many are offering their thoughts on what he should do as Pope.   Some are calling for him to continue the efforts begun by the late Pope Francis I.  Some are calling for him to undo the efforts of the late Pope Francis I.  

 
I, too, have my thoughts on what our new Pope should do as he assumes responsibility for leading the most important institution on this planet, an institution founded by the Son of God himself when he was on this planet.   I have specific priorities that would like our new Pope to pursue. 

 
After the Resurrection, Jesus asks Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”   Peter answers “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”   To which Jesus says, “Feed my lambs.”   Jesus then poses this same question about love to Peter two more times and Peter answers in the affirmative both times.  After each of Peter’s subsequent answers, Jesus directs Peter to “tend my sheep” and then “feed my sheep.”  Lastly, Jesus instructs Peter to “Follow me.”   (See John 21:15-19).  

 
“Feed my sheep.”

“Tend my sheep.”

“Feed my sheep.”

“Follow me.” 

 
I would suggest that our new Pope follow Jesus’s direction to St. Peter, the first Pope, first and foremost.  

May God grant Pope Leo XIV all that he needs to fulfill his most important role as the new leader of our Church.  In Christ our Lord’s Most Holy Name. Amen.