Editor’s Note: Following is a reflection that Msgr. Louis A. Marucci wrote for his parish bulletin just days after the election of Pope Leo XIV. It appears here in an abridged form.
A few weeks ago, we were extraordinarily blessed to have Bishop Joseph Williams visit Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. Bishop presided over the noon Mass, spent two hours celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and then joined us for Adoration, Reposition and the chanting of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The afternoon concluded with the bishop extending a plenary indulgence to all who participated.
One reason the day was so special centered on the presence of our bishop, whose pastoral presence and zeal remind us how much God truly loves us. … That said, as you know, God’s generosity can never be outdone.
Last week, we witnessed a historic moment in the life of our Church – the election of Pope Leo XIV. … For the first time in history, the Church chose a pontiff from the United States. Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, spent his life serving both in his homeland and abroad, particularly in Peru, where he ministered for many years. His election speaks to the universality of our faith – a Church that transcends borders, languages and cultures. …
Pope Leo XIV has been described as a centrist, balancing tradition with a pastoral heart. He had worked closely in selecting bishops, ensuring the Church remained rooted in strong leadership. His words upon greeting the faithful – “Peace be with you all!” – remind us that the mission of the Church is always one of reconciliation and hope. …
We live in an era where leaders in the Church – whether pope, bishop or pastor – understand that authority in the Church is never about power, but always about service. Pope Francis set the example by demonstrating that leadership is less about commanding from above and more about kneeling to wash the feet of the faithful. As shepherds over their flocks, Pope Leo and Bishop Williams walk in Christ’s footsteps, embracing the joys and wounds of the people of God.
I was inspired by Pope Leo’s first words proclaimed from the loggia (balcony). In a world marked by division and uncertainty, Pope Leo XIV’s greeting was not just ceremonial – it was a prayer that serves as an invitation to reconciliation. It was a call to lay down our fears and embrace the peace that Christ offers. His papacy began with an outstretched hand, reminding us that the Church is not meant to be a fortress that separates, but a home that welcomes, heals and strengthens.
As we embrace this new chapter, let us pray for Pope Leo and Bishop Williams. May they be strengthened in wisdom, courage and humility. … Let me suggest five things each of us can do to support our pope and bishop:
• Commit to daily prayer for both men: Just as Moses needed the support of Aaron and Hur to keep his arms raised in prayer, Pope Leo and Bishop Williams rely on the prayers of the faithful to sustain them. Let us commit to praying daily for strength, wisdom, and courage. … Your spiritual support matters.
• Deepen your engagement with the Church’s mission: We can support these shepherds by deepening our discipleship – actively engaging in the sacraments, studying Catholic social teaching and renewing daily our commitment to the Gospel.
• Foster unity and charity in our own parish: The mission of the Holy Father and Bishop Williams is one of unity, reminding us that the Church is not built on division but communion. We can embrace the call for peace by fostering respect, dialogue and love within our community, resolving conflicts with grace, and ensuring that no one feels forgotten or alone.
• Support vocations and leadership in the Church: Before his election, Pope Leo played a crucial role in shaping Church leadership. We are beneficiaries of his ministry in the appointment of Bishop Williams to the Diocese of Camden. We can support that mission by encouraging vocations – praying for priests and religious, supporting seminarian formation, and fostering a culture of discipleship in which young people are inspired to answer God’s call. Every strong leader in the Church begins with a community that nurtures that person’s faith.
• Live the Gospel with boldness and joy: We can best support our pope and our bishop by being faithful witnesses. Let us take Pope Leo’s first greeting –“Peace be with you all!” – as a personal invitation. In your workplaces, families and friendships, let us bring the peace and mercy of Christ to others, showing that the Church is not just a building, but a living sign of God’s presence in the world.
Msgr. Louis A. Marucci is pastor of Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish, Gibbsboro.
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