I never imagined a papal conclave would stir up my faith in profound ways, but the election of Pope Leo XIV has woken this part of me that I am still trying to make sense of.
Sooo..here are a few reasons, just one week into Pope Leo's papacy, to love Pope Leo XIV.
1. A Historic First: An American Shepherd for the Universal Church
It was such a surprise to hear an American name read aloud in Latin, and then seeing Cardinal Robert Prevost, a man from Chicago's South Side, emerge as the first American pontiff in history. (That's 2,000 years of Catholic history!) When that white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney last week, and as every single Catholic across the globe watched in anticipation, for over an hour, to see who this new shepherd would be, I don't think any of us had a kid from Chicago in mind. For the first time, the shepherd of our global Church speaks with an accent that is not foreign to me.
The excitement I feel about this historic moment is in no way about nationalism—but more so about feeling seen; that God has His eye on America, just as He has with the rest of the world. And while the pope is in no way a political figure, I do feel this sense of relief knowing that there is now a leader (who happens to be American), elected by the Holy Spirit, not by man, who can be used to bring unity, peace and ultimately Christ to an America, and ultimately a world, so in need.
2. Christ's Own Greeting: "Peace Be With All of You"
I huddled around the tv with my three kiddos, watching as this humble man stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica waiting to hear what his first words would be. As a devoted child of JPII's papacy "Be not afraid" still echos within my way of life, so I was eager to hear what this new start would bring. His first words? "Peace be with all of you!" These weren't just any words—they echoed Christ's own greeting to the disciples after His resurrection, and it was intentional. Peace be with all of you. What a beautiful way to begin a papacy: with the peace of Christ.
3. A Unifying Motto: "In Illo Uno Unum"
His chosen papal motto, "In illo uno unum" – "In the One, we are one" – speaks volumes about his vision. Unity in Christ. Coming together despite our differences. Finding common ground in our shared faith, and in our shared humanity. How desperately our world needs this message today! The division within our Church, within America, and within the world and sometimes feel overwhelming. I pray this motto can infiltrate into our Church, our country and our world, but all the more in my own life, so as to bear witness to my family & all those I encounter.
4. A Bridge Between Cultures
Having served both in American parishes and as a missionary in Peru for decades, Pope Leo XIV understands the Church from multiple perspectives. This isn't just theoretical knowledge—it's lived experience among diverse communities of faith. In a global Church, his multicultural background feels like exactly what we need right now.
5. A Meaningful Name Choice
His selection of "Leo" connects him to Leo XIII, a pope known for engaging with modern society through compassion and intellectual rigor. Our new Pope seems poised to continue that legacy while bringing his unique perspective as both American-born and globally experienced. Names matter in our tradition, and this choice suggests a thoughtful approach to leading the Church in complex times. As of today, (May 15) he has clarified that one of the leading reasons he chose the name Leo was because Leo XIII led the Church through the time of the Industrial Revolution, and that with the dawn of AI, we could use the same shepherding.
6. A Reminder That God Works Through the Ordinary
Having grown up Catholic, volunteering in my share of youth programs, and later serving as a missionary in Africa & New York City, Catholicism has always been my spiritual home. Now, with Pope Leo XIV, there's a deeper appreciation for how God works through ordinary people. Through a boy who grew up in Chicago, becoming a priest known as "Fr. Bob." Through someone who understands the unique challenges and blessings of American Catholicism. His life reminds me that God still uses ordinary people for extraordinary callings.
7. A Beacon of Hope in Divided Times
During my years abroad, I always found solace in knowing that no matter where I wandered, Mass would feel familiar. It didn't matter if it was spoken in a language I didn't understand, I still understood the heart of what was taking place. Now Pope Leo XIV embodies this universal yet personal nature of our faith, as Americans. In these divided times, he reminds us of the power of simple acts of faith, humble service, and bridges built between cultures. His election feels like the Holy Spirit's gentle nudge, reminding us that God works through all peoples, all cultures, all backgrounds.
So today, I'm wearing my faith with renewed pride.
And if you want to proudly echo the Pope's motto in your own life, check out our Pope Leo collection - featuring our organic cotton tees with his motto as well as fun children's tees inspired by his fierce name! 🦁 as well as a keepsake candle to remind you to pray for him as he carries the weight of Christ's Church.
