Biographical profile of the PopeThis morning Pope Leo XIV stepped out for the second time onto the central balcony of St. Peter's façade for the prayer of the Eucharist. Regina Coeli next to a square filled to the brim (and full of flags). We saw him appear with the same shy and touched smile with which he greeted us last Thursday afternoon, after the white smoke, in response to a crowd that welcomed him with enthusiastic shouts of his new name: "I am the new president".Leone!".
Although the day dawned cloudy and somewhat unpleasant, 100,000 people wanted to come to the Vatican and the surrounding streets to accompany the pontiff in his first official liturgical act with the faithful. These are the first days of his new Petrine ministry.
Everything about the new pontiff, every gesture and every word, is a synthesis of his predecessors full of meaning. As one cardinal has pointed out, he is not a photocopy, but a succession. He takes expressions from Francis, has the shy smile and intelligent look of Benedict, quotes with vigor St. John Paul II in addressing young people and St. Paul VI in appealing for the cessation of wars.
A nice coincidence
After greeting those present with "Dear brothers and sisters, good Sunday," in the style of Francis, the Pope began by saying: "I consider it a gift from God that the first Sunday of my service as Bishop of Rome is that of the Good Shepherd. His preaching had a marked Christocentric accent: "On this Sunday the Gospel of John, chapter 10, is always proclaimed at Mass, in which Jesus reveals himself as the true shepherd, who loves and knows his sheep and gives his life for them".
It is the fourth Sunday of Easter, and the Pontiff recalled that "the World Day of Prayer for Vocations has been celebrated for 62 years". He then pointed out that "today Rome is also hosting the Jubilee of musical bands and popular entertainment. I greet all these pilgrims with affection and I thank them because with their music and performances they fill with joy the feast of Christ the Good Shepherd".
It is true that these bands have enlivened the waiting in the Square before the Pope arrived and, among other songs, some of them have launched into the Village People's YMCA, in a surprising tribute to the first American-born successor of Peter.
Good Shepherd and Vocation Day
Once again the words of Leo XIV referred to the divine shepherd: "It is he who guides the Church with his Holy Spirit. Jesus in the Gospel affirms that he knows his sheep and that they listen to his voice and follow him. Indeed, as Pope St. Gregory the Great teaches, people correspond to the love of the one who loves them".
He continued: "Today I have the joy of praying with you and with all God's people for vocations, especially to the priesthood and religious life. The Church needs them so badly!
His thoughts were addressed to young people: "It is important that young people find in our communities a welcome, a listening ear and encouragement in their vocational journey, and that they can count on credible models of generous dedication to God and to their brothers and sisters".
Later, he made a very concrete plea to them, which immediately brought to mind the cry of John Paul II pronounced in the same place on October 16, 1978: "I say to you young people: do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and of Christ our Lord. May the Virgin Mary, whose life was a complete response to the Lord's call, always accompany us in following Jesus".
Plea for peace
The pastoral experience of Leo XIV was evident when he did not recite, but sang the Regina Coeli with a powerful voice. Then he gave the blessing for the second time and after this gesture the square erupted in applause and shouts of "Long live the Pope!
He then recalled that this week, on the 8th, was the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, "after having caused 60 million victims". With the expression bergoglianaIn the current scenario of a Third World War in pieces, as Pope Francis has so often stated, I too address the great ones of the world, repeating the ever-timely request: Never again war!
In recent days, a recent video of Cardinal Prevost speaking about the situation in Ukraine has been circulating on the Internet. There was no lack of words for this country: "I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people. May everything possible be done to bring about an authentic, just and lasting peace as soon as possible. May all prisoners be released and may the children return to their families".
The Holy Land was also present in his speech: "I am deeply saddened by what is happening in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire must cease immediately, humanitarian aid must be provided to the extremely civilian population and all hostages must be released".
The faithful have been responding to these requests with supportive applause. "I have instead welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and I hope that through the upcoming negotiations a lasting agreement can soon be reached."
The Pope placed these desires for peace in the hands of Our Lady: "But how many other conflicts there are in the world! I entrust this appeal to the Queen of Peace, so that she may be the one to present it to the Lord Jesus to obtain for us the miracle of peace".
Greetings to mothers
The pontiff greeted the various groups of pilgrims present in the square today. His words reflected his command of several languages, and between one greeting and another he raised his gaze in search of eye contact with those who responded with shouts and applause to his mention.
He did not fail to comment on mothers, since "today is celebrated in Italy and in other countries the feast of the mother, and I address an affectionate greeting to all mothers, with a prayer for them, also for those who are already in Heaven. I address an affectionate greeting to all mothers, with a prayer for them, also for those who are already in Heaven. Happy feast to all mothers!".
Hours before reciting the Marian prayer, Leo XIV celebrated Holy Mass in the Vatican Grottoes, at the altar next to the tomb of the Apostle Peter. Concelebrating with him was the Prior General of the Augustinian Order, Father Alejandro Moral Antón. The Pope then paused to pray at the tombs of his predecessors.
With his simplicity and his ability to bring together different sensibilities, the new Pope is winning, day by day, the affection of the city of Rome and the world.
