Chicago native Cardinal Prevost elected pope, takes name Leo XIV
BY CINDY WOODEN
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, the Chicago-born prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis, was elected the 267th pope May 8 and took the name Pope Leo XIV.
He is the first North American to be elected pope and, before the conclave, was the U.S. cardinal most mentioned as a potential successor of St. Peter.
The white smoke poured from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel at 6:07 p.m. Rome time and a few minutes later the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica began to ring.
About 20 minutes later the Vatican police
band and two dozen members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard marched into St. Peter’s Square. They soon were joined by the marching band of the Italian Carabinieri, a branch of military police, and by units of the other branches of the Italian military.
As soon as news began to spread, people from all over Rome ran to join the tens of thousands who were already in the square for the smoke watch. Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri was among them.
French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at 7:12 p.m. He told the crowd: “I announce to you a great joy. We have a pope (‘Habemus papam’),” saying the cardinal’s name in Latin and announcing the name by which he will be called.
Ten minutes later, the new Pope Leo came out onto the balcony, smiling and waving to the crowd
wearing the white papal cassock, a red mozzetta or cape and a red stole to give his first public blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world).
The crowd shouted repeatedly, “Viva il papa” or “Long live the pope” as Pope Leo’s eyes appeared to tear up.
“Peace be with you,” were Pope Leo’s first words to the crowd.
“My dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for God’s flock,” he said, praying that Christ’s peace would enter people’s hearts, their families and “the whole earth.”
The peace of the risen Lord, he said, is “a peace that is unarmed and disarming.”
Signaling strong continuity with the papacy of Pope Francis, Pope Leo told the crowd that God
Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves to the crowds in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference “Come Holy Spirit With Your Fire” on July 25 and 26, featuring Ralph Martin as the main speaker. Details: email Jeannie Wade at Jwade3585@outlook.com or call Ray Makofsky at 205-999-8947. To register, visit www.catholiccharismaticrenewal.org.
PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
CANTON – Catholic Charities, Birdies for Born Free Golf Tournament, Tuesday, June 10, registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m. and tournament begins at 12:30 p.m. Details: register at https://www.catholiccharitiesjackson.org/event-details/birdies-for-bornfree. For more information contact deja.errington@ ccjackson.org or (601) 355-8634.
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, Vacation Bible School “True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World,” June 9-12 from 8 a.m. to noon. Open to students leaving PreK-3 through fifth grade. Register at https://vbspro.events/p/stelizabeth2025. Details: church o ce (662) 624-4301.
CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, Vacation Bible School – “True North” for PreK-3 through third grade, June 16-18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Details: register online: www.myvbs.org/olvcleveland.
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Vacation Bible School “True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World,” June 2-6 from 6-8 p.m. Register at https://bit.ly/440Z1HA. Details: church o ce (601) 924-6344.
FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Vacation Bible School “True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World,” June 16-19 from 5:45-8 p.m. Details: For more information and to register visit https://bit.ly/3SJKmcI.
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School “True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World,” June 23-27 from 5:15-8 p.m. in the parish hall. Dinner
and games from 5:15-6 p.m. Open to all children entering K through sixth grade. Cost: $15 per child/$30 max per family. Details: https://giving.parishsoft. com/app/stjosephgluckstadt – select one-time donation and then VBS 2025 as the fund.
JACKSON – Holy Ghost, 50th Anniversary of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Saturday, June 21 in the parish life center. Details: Please RSVP for luncheon by call or text to Sandra Lynn at (601) 505-1679.
JACKSON – Catholic Charities, 20th annual Bishop’s Ball, Saturday, July 19 at the Two Mississippi Museums. Cocktail hour at 6 p.m. with an auction at 7 p.m. Live music by the Patrick Harkins Bank. Details: call (601) 355-8634 or visit https://event.gives/ bb25.
MADISON – St. Francis, Vacation Bible School, June 23-26 from 9 a.m. till noon. Students ages four through fourth grade are welcome to join the “Prayer Safari” and students in grades fifth through eighth are invited to the “Creativity Kingdom” VBS Creative Arts camp. Details: email mc.george@stfrancismadison.org.
St. Francis, Celebration of Father Frank Cosgrove’s 60th Ordination Anniversary, Monday, June 2 at 6 p.m. Details: Please RSVP to sallieann.inman@ stfrancismadison.org.
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, “True North” Vacation Bible School, June 23-27 from 8 a.m. to noon, with lunch provided. Details: register at vbspro.events/p/ meridian.
St. Patrick, Jubilee Mass of Hope, Saturday, June 14 at 11 a.m. Details: church o ce (601) 693-1321.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Vacation Bible School “Passport to Peace,” June 1620 from 5:30-8 p.m. Details: church o ce (662) 895-5007.
FEATURE PHOTO: ... Servant leadership lesson...
JACKSON – During Lent, K-5 teacher Kate Morris washed the feet of the kindergarteners. This was a lesson for students to think about servant leadership and what it means for God to serve others. Students were asked how it made them feel and what they thought to have their teacher wash their feet. Students said they felt loved, and it reminded them of when Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. Pictured: St. Richard students John Stanton, Eliza Weisenberger, Louise Simmons, with Kate Morris. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
Queen of Peace, Yard Sale, Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Furniture, books, clothing tools, toys and more. Items half o on Sunday.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Vacation Bible School for grades K through eighth, June 16-20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Registration forms in gathering area of the church. Join us for crafts, Bible stories, games and snacks. Details: church o ce (662) 342-1073.
Saturday, June 14
Whisper Lake Country Club of Madison Scan to register
Tee o for a cause and enjoy a day lled with golf, fellowship, and giving back!
Secure your spot today! Scan the QR code or visit website below!
https://bit.ly/433PKO0
Announcement
The Board of Directors of Catholic Charities, Inc. of Jackson appointed Christina Bach as Interim Executive Director of the agency, e ective April 14, 2025.
Flowood Pearl
White smoke and eternal light
BY BISHOP JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D.
The celebration of the Lord’s resurrection during the Easter season always bears the marks of resurgent life in the church as well as in the natural world around us. Beginning with the Easter Vigil, the waters of Baptism, the anointing with chrism, the proclamation of the Word of God, and the reception of the Body and Blood of the Lord are the ordinary and extraordinary ways that our parish communities flourish as members of the Body of Christ. The hope and joy that arise from the love of risen Lord take root all around us.
In this light it’s evident that the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV have deepened our experience of the rhythms of the Paschal
mystery in the Easter season.
The passing of Pope Francis after 12 years as the Holy Father evoked a world-wide outpouring of loving gratitude on behalf of this spiritual leader whose prophetic voice inspired many within the church and beyond. The funeral liturgy and the accompanying solemn rites and processions placed the church on the world stage for an extended period of time proclaiming to all participants and observers the essence of our faith and hope in the one crucified and risen from the dead.
That Francis embodied the mind and heart of the Good Shepherd through words and gestures, through teaching and evangelizing, and through his stature as the voice of conscience and human rights across the globe, was evident in responses from across life’s spectrum, including both heads of state, and homeless. Let our hope-filled prayers from the funeral liturgy accompany this servant of God. “May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs come to greet you on the way, and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem. May choirs of angels welcome you and lead you to the bosom of Abraham; and where Lazarus is poor no longer may you find eternal rest.”
A man holding a rosary and U.S. flag reacts as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has chosen the papal name Leo XIV, appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican May 8, 2025, following his election during the conclave. He is the first American pope in history. (OSV News photo/Dylan Martinez, Reuters)
P.O. Box 2130 Jackson, MS 39225-2130
Phone: 601-969-3581 E-mail: editor@jacksondiocese.org
Publisher
Volume 71 Number 11 (ISSN 1529-1693)
Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz
Communications Director Joanna Puddister King
Production Manager Tereza Ma
Contributor Madelyn Johnson
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC is an official publication of the Diocese of Jackson, 601-969-1880, 237 E. Amite St., Jackson, MS 39201. Published digitally twice per month January – April and September – December; once per month June, July and August. Mississippi Catholic mails 14 editions per year – twice per month in December and January; and once per month February – November. For address changes, corrections or to join the email list for the digital edition, email: editor@jacksondiocese.org. Subscription rate: $20 a year in Mississippi, $21 out-ofstate. Periodical postage at Jackson, MS 39201 and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mississippi Catholic, P.O. Box 2130, Jackson, MS 39225-2130. Website: www.mississippicatholic.com www.jacksondiocese.org
to settle in and prepare for the conclave, the 24-hour news cycle kicked in once again. From churchmen to Vegas oddsmakers there was considerable speculation over who would emerge as the 267th pope.
The 700-year-old tradition of conclave was explored and dissected in every conceivable way, and indeed it gripped the imagination. Even far more impressive was the reality that the 130+ cardinals represented 71 countries, walking proof of the global Catholic Church. But would the conclave drag on, or would it be over in a matter of two to three days, its duration in recent elections, was a repeated question? The thousands of people who joyfully and prayerfully gathered in St. Peter’s Square to await the white smoke and the pealing bells represented countless others from around the globe who remained vigilant in prayer and joyful hope. At last, the moment arrived. Habemus Papam!
To the surprise of most who were glued to the proceedings, the church is celebrating the first American pope. It seems that the oddsmakers didn’t factor in the impact of the Holy Spirit.
After pausing for a suitable time of mourning and allowing the cardinal electors the opportunity
We are at the beginning of a new day in the center of the Catholic Church with the election of Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. His Augustinian religious community, and the nations of Peru and the United States along with the entire Catholic world rejoice to welcome him as the successor of St. Peter, the Vicar of Christ, the Bishop of Rome, and the Servant of the Servants of God. The name of Leo is profoundly significant for our times and speaks volumes regarding our Holy Father’s hopes and dreams for our church and world.
BISHOP’S SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 31, 10:30 a.m. – Confirmation, St. John, Crystal Springs
Sunday, June 1, 10:30 a.m. – Confirmation, Holy Cross, Philadelphia
Sunday, June 1, 4 p.m. – Confirmation, St. Michael, Forest
Monday, June 2, 6 p.m. – Mass of Thanksgiving for Father Frank Cosgrove’s 60th Ordination Anniversary, St. Francis, Madison
Sunday, June 8, 3 p.m. – Confirmation (bilingual), Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson
Tuesday, June 10 and 24, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson
Tuesday, June 10 – Mac Haik Birdies for Born Free Golf Tournament for Catholic Charities, Deerfield Golf Club, Canton
Monday, June 16-20 – U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Special Assembly, San Diego
Sunday, July 13, 5 p.m. – Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast Day Celebration, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson
Tuesday, July 15, 22 and 29, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson
Saturday, July 19, 6 p.m. – Catholic Charities Annual Bishop’s Ball, Two Mississippi Museums, Jackson
Sunday, July 27, 11 a.m. – Mass and 75th Anniversary Celebration, St. Anne, Fayette
All events are subject to change. Check with parishes, schools or organizations for further details.
As we head into summer, I’m continuing to review seminary applications. I’m happy to report we have nine seminarians lined up for this fall – up from six in recent years!
One of our newest is Joshua Statham from Richland, who attends St. Jude in Pearl. Josh entered the church while a student at Southern Miss and began seminary formation for the Diocese of Biloxi in 2023. He recently transferred to Jackson, completing his application earlier this month. I’ve known Josh for many years and appreciate the prayerful care he’s taken in making this decision. We’re glad to welcome him. Special thanks to Father Braxton Necaise, vocation director in Biloxi, and Bishop Kihneman for their help with the transfer.
Josh joins two others beginning formation this year. I previously introduced Eli McFadden from St. Paul in Flowood, and we have one more new seminarian I’ll be sharing more about soon. With several applications still pending, I’m hopeful we’ll have even more good news this summer. For now, at least nine young men will be in formation this fall – a hopeful sign of how the Lord is working in hearts across our diocese.
I was also encouraged by the incredible generosity of the Knights of Columbus at the state convention in April. Councils across the diocese donated more than $50,000 for seminary education. I gave them a standing ovation when they presented the check to Bishop Kopacz.
I’m also honored to give the invocation at the annual Luella & Floyd Q. Doolittle Golf Classic, sponsored by the St. Francis Madison Knights of Columbus. It will be held June 14 at Whisper Lake Country Club in Madison. Everyone is invited to sign up to play or sponsor. For info, contact Tunney Vandevender at (601) 622-4145 or tunneyv1@ icloud.com. I wish I could play – but at least I can pray!
Our Spring Vocations Appeal is still underway. A second collection was taken on Mother’s Day weekend, and a mail appeal went out as well. If you haven’t yet contributed, there’s still time. Every dollar supports vocation promotion and the education of our seminarians –whose numbers, as you can see, are growing. I’m deeply grateful for your support. I know there are many worthy causes in the church, and I promise we are doing all we can to be faithful stewards of every gift. Please keep praying – not just for more priests, but for holy priests.
– Father Nick Adam, vocation director
(For more information on vocations, visit jacksonvocations.com or contact Father Nick at nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.)
Join Vocations Supporters on Flocknote for updates from the Vocations O ce
Father Nick Adam
A needed reminder
IN EXILE
By Father ron rolheiser, oMi
Benedictine monk shared this story with me. During his early years in religious life, he had been resentful because he was required to ask permission from his Abbott if he wanted anything: “I thought it was silly, me, a grown man, an adult, having to ask a superior if I wanted a new shirt. I felt like a child.”
But as he aged his perspective changed: “I’m not sure of all the reasons, though I’m sure they have to do with grace, but one day I came to realize that there was some deep wisdom in having to ask permission for everything. We don’t own anything; nothing comes to us by right. Everything is a gift. So ideally everything should be asked for and not taken as if it were ours by right. We need to be grateful to God and the universe for everything that’s been given us. Now, when I need something and need to ask permission from the Abbott, I no longer feel like a child. Rather, I feel that I’m more properly in tune with the way things should be in a gift-oriented universe within which nobody has a right to ultimately claim anything.”
What this monk came to understand is a principle which undergirds all spirituality, all morality, and every one of the commandments, namely, that everything comes to us as gift, nothing can be claimed as if owed to us. We should be grateful to God and to the universe for giving us what we have and careful not to claim, as by right, anything more.
But this goes against much in our instinctual selves and within our culture. Within both, there are strong voices which tell us that if you cannot take what you want then you’re a weak person, weak in a double way. First, you’re a weak personality, too timid to fully claim life. Second, you’ve been weakened by religious and moral scruples and are unable to properly seize the day and be fully alive. These voices tell us that we need to grow up because there is much in us that’s fearful and infantile, a child held captive by superstitious forces.
It’s precisely because of these voices that today, in a culture that professes to be Christian and moral, leading political and social figures can in all sincerity believe and say that empathy is a human weakness.
We need an important reminder.
The voice of Jesus is radically antithetical to these voices. Empathy is the penultimate human virtue, the antithesis of weakness. Jesus would look on so much that is assertive, aggressive and accumulative within our society and, notwithstanding the admiration it receives, tell us clearly that this is not what it means to come to the banquet which lies at the heart of God’s kingdom. He would not share our admiration of the rich and famous who too often claim, as by right, their excessive wealth and status. When Jesus states that it is harder for a rich person to go to heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, he might have qualified this by adding: “Unless, of course, the rich person, childlike, asks permission from the universe, from the community, and from God, for every new shirt!”
When I was a religious novice, our novice master tried to impress upon us the meaning of religious poverty by making us write inside every book that was given to us the Latin words: ad usum. Literally: for your use. The idea was that, al-
though this book was given to you for your personal use, you didn’t own it. It was only for your use; real ownership lay elsewhere. We were then told that this was true as well of everything else given to us for our personal use, from our toothbrushes to the shirts on our backs. They were not really ours, merely given to us for our use.
One of the young men in that novitiate group who left the order is today a medical doctor. He remains a close friend and he once shared with me how today, as a doctor, he still writes those words ad usum in every one of his books. His rational is this: “I don’t belong to a religious order. I don’t have a vow of poverty, but the principle our novice master taught us is just as valid for me in the world as it is for a religious
The Pope’s Corner
novice. We don’t own anything. Those books aren’t really mine. They’ve been given to me, temporarily, for my use. Nothing ultimately belongs to anybody and it’s best never to forget that.”
No matter how rich, strong and grown-up we are, there’s something healthy in having to ask permission to buy a new shirt. It keeps us attuned to the fact that the universe belongs to everyone, to God ultimately. Everything comes to us as gift and so we may never take anything for granted, but only as granted!
(Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a theologian, teacher and award-winning author. He can be contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com.)
Pope Leo prays for vocations, for peace and for mothers on Mother’s Day
By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN
CITY (CNS)
– With a huge and festive crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV led his first Sunday recitation of the “Regina Coeli” prayer and urged all Catholics to pray for vocations, especially to the priesthood and religious life.
Before the pope appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica May 11, the crowd was entertained by dozens of marching bands and folkloristic dance troupes who had marched into the square after attending an outdoor Mass for the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment.
Pope Leo also noted that it was Mother’s Day in Italy, the United States and elsewhere. “I send a special greeting to all mothers with a prayer for them and for those who are already in heaven,” he said. “Happy holiday to all moms!”
Italian officials estimated 100,000 people were in St. Peter’s Square or on the surrounding streets to join the new pope for the midday prayer.
In his main address, Pope Leo said it was a “gift” to lead the crowd for the first time on the Sunday when the church proclaims a passage from John 10 “where Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd, who knows and loves his sheep and gives his life for them.”
It also is the day the Catholic Church offers special prayers for vocations, especially to the priesthood and religious life.
“It is important that young men and women on their vocational journey find acceptance, listening and encouragement in their communities, and that they can look up to credible models of generous dedication to God and to their brothers and sisters,” the pope said.
Noting that Pope Francis had released a message in March in preparation for the day of prayer, Pope Leo told the crowd, “Let us take up the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his message for today: the invitation to welcome and accompany young people.”
“And let us ask our heavenly Father to assist us in living in service to one another, each according to his or her state of life, shepherds after his own heart, capable of helping one another to walk in love and truth,” the new pope said.
Setting aside his prepared text, he told young people in the square, “Do not be afraid! Welcome the call of the church and of Christ the Lord.”
After reciting the “Regina Coeli,” he mentioned how the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe was celebrated May 8, the day of his election.
While that is reason to celebrate, he said, “’the Third World War is being fought piecemeal,’ as Pope Francis often said. I, too, appeal to the leaders of the world, repeating this ever-relevant plea: Never again war!”
Pope Leo prayed for the people of Ukraine, saying, “May everything possible be done to achieve as soon as possible an authentic, just and lasting peace. May all prisoners be freed, and may the children return to their families.” Ukraine says thousands of children have been forcibly taken to Russia during the war.
The pope also told the crowd, “I am deeply saddened by what is happening in the Gaza Strip. Let the fighting cease immediately. Humanitarian aid must be given to the exhausted civilian population, and all hostages must be released.”
He praised India and Pakistan for reaching a ceasefire agreement, but said, “But how many other conflicts are there in the world?”
Pope Leo entrusted his “heartfelt appeal” for peace to Mary, “Queen of Peace, that she may present it to the Lord Jesus to obtain for us the miracle of peace.”
Earlier in the day, Pope Leo had celebrated Mass at an altar near the tomb of St. Peter in the grotto of St. Peter’s Basilica. Father Alejandro Moral Anton, the prior general of the Order of St. Augustine, to which the pope belonged, was the principal celebrant.
Afterward, the Vatican press office said, he stopped to pray at the tombs of popes who are buried in the grotto.
Pope Leo XIV leads the midday recitation of the “Regina Coeli” prayer for the first time from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican May 11, 2025. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
‘ ... Together we must try to be a missionary church ...’
– Continued from page 1 –
“loves all of us unconditionally” and that the church must be open to everyone.
“We are all in God’s hands,” he said, so “without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other, let us go forward.”
He thanked the cardinals who elected him, apparently on the fourth ballot of the conclave, “to be the successor of Peter and to walk with you as a united church always seeking peace, justice” and together being missionary disciples of Christ.
Telling the crowd that he was an Augustinian, he quoted St. Augustine, who said, “With you I am a Christian and for you a bishop.”
“Together we must try to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges and always dialogues, that is always open to receiving everyone like this square with its arms open to everyone, everyone in need,” he said.
The new bishop of Rome told the people of his diocese and of the whole Catholic Church, “We want to be a synodal church, a church that journeys, a church that seeks peace always, that always seeks charity, that wants to be close to people, especially those who are suffering.”
After asking the crowd to recite the Hail Mary with him, Pope Leo gave his first solemn blessing.
Cardinals over the age of 80, who were not eligible to enter the conclave, joined the crowd in the square. Among them were Cardinals Seán P. O’Malley, the retired archbishop of Boston; Donald W. Wuerl, the retired archbishop of Washington; and Marc Ouellet, retired prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
A longtime missionary in Peru, the 69-year-old pope holds both U.S. and Peruvian citizenship.
La Repubblica, the major Italian daily, described him April 25 as “cosmopolitan and shy,” but also said he was “appreciated by conservatives and progressives. He has global visibility in a conclave in which few (cardinals) know each other.”
That visibility comes from serving as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops for the past two years, he was instrumental in helping Pope Francis choose
bishops for many Latin-rite dioceses, he met hundreds of bishops during their “ad limina” visits to Rome and was called to assist Latin-rite bishops “in all matters concerning the correct and fruitful exercise of the pastoral office entrusted to them.”
The new pope was serving as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, when Pope Francis called him to the Vatican in January 2023.
During a talk at St. Jude Parish in Chicago in August, the then-cardinal said Pope Francis nominated him “specifically because he did not want someone from the Roman Curia to take on this role. He wanted a missionary; he wanted someone from outside; he wanted someone who would come in with a different perspective.”
In a March 2024 interview with Catholic News Service, he said Pope Francis’ decision in 2022 to name three women as full members of the dicastery, giving them input on the selection of bishops “contributes significantly to the process of discernment in looking for who we hope are the best candidates to serve the church in episcopal ministry.”
To deter attitudes of clericalism among bishops, he said, “it’s important to find men who are truly interested in serving, in preaching the Gospel, not just with eloquent words, but rather with the example and witness they give.”
In fact, the cardinal said, Pope Francis’ “most effective and important” bulwark against clericalism was his being “a pastor who preaches by gesture.”
In an interview in 2023 with Vatican News, then-Cardinal Prevost spoke about the essential leadership quality of a bishop.
“Pope Francis has spoken of four types of closeness: closeness to God, to brother bishops, to priests and to all God’s people,” he said. “One must not give in to the temptation to live isolated, separated in a palace, satisfied with a certain social level or a certain level within the church.”
“And we must not hide behind an idea of authority that no longer makes sense today,” he said. “The authority we have is to serve, to accompany priests, to be pastors and teachers.”
As prefect of the dicastery then-Cardinal Pre-
vost also served as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, where nearly 40% of the world’s Catholics reside.
A Chicago native, he also served as prior general of the Augustinians and spent more than two decades serving in Peru, first as an Augustinian missionary and later as bishop of Chiclayo.
Soon after coming to Rome to head the dicastery, he told Vatican News that bishops have a special mission of promoting the unity of the church.
“The lack of unity is a wound that the church suffers, a very painful one,” he said in May 2023. “Divisions and polemics in the church do not help anything. We bishops ... must accelerate this movement toward unity, toward communion in the church.”
In September, a television program in Peru reported on the allegations of three women who said that then-Bishop Prevost failed to act against a priest who sexually abused them as minors. The diocese strongly denied the accusation, pointing out that he personally met with the victims in April 2022, removed the priest from his parish, suspended him from ministry and conducted a local investigation that was then forwarded to the Vatican. The Vatican said there was insufficient evidence to proceed, as did the local prosecutor’s office.
Pope Leo was born Sept. 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the Augustinian-run Villanova University in Pennsylvania and joined the order in 1977, making his solemn vows in 1981. He holds a degree in theology from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a doctorate from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
He joined the Augustinian mission in Peru in 1985 and largely worked in the country until 1999 when he was elected head of the Augustinians’ Chicago-based province. From 2001 to 2013, he served as prior general of the worldwide order. In 2014, Pope Francis named him bishop of Chiclayo, in northern Peru, and the pope asked him also to be apostolic administrator of Callao, Peru, from April 2020 to May 2021.
The new pope speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese and can read Latin and German.
Garden Project at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility brings new life to inmates
By Madelyn Johnson
PEARL – On April 4, 2025, Bishop Joseph Kopcaz and Father Lincoln Dall blessed the gardens at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) in Pearl. The gardens are part of the Garden Project, a rehabilitation project at CMCF.
The goal of the Garden Project is to help the inmates increase their earnings after being released from prison. The project teaches men not only the basic aspects of gardening but also gives them the ability to better their family’s living conditions. Shaw hopes it will help incarcerated individuals with the ability to become safer members of society and commit fewer crimes.
There are two phases to the Garden Project – home gardening and farmers market management. Books and literature are donated by the Mississippi State University Agriculture Extension to assist with learning. The goal of these phases is to help men harvest and plant their own gardens, and to possibly create and manage their own booth at a local farmers market.
Michael Shaw is the recreational director at CMCF. The Garden Project was one of his ideas to create additional value to time served.
“What is needed is a way to supplement income for these guys here, says Shaw. “Getting out of prison, they will make on average $9 per hour. With the garden project, we can teach these guys how to grow their own gardens and bring that income up to $11 per hour.”
Shaw recalls his time at CMCF, stating that he kept to himself until he saw the need for more programs for rehabilitation for the inmates. Shaw worked on many different projects, like writing classes, until being promoted to recreational director. Wanting to produce a safer society and give the chance for incarcerated men to help their families once released from prison is Shaw’s main goal.
“These guys that come in have big families, some five or six kids,” says Shaw. “When they are released they have no work, no family resources and low income. They need a way to subsidize their income.”
The community can help with the Garden Project by shopping at local farmers markets. “We don’t need monetary or physical donations,” says Shaw. “We need people to shop at local farmers markets to support our guys.”
What Shaw really wants the community to know is this quote from Dorothy Day, “Why was so much done in remedying evil instead of avoiding it in the first place?”
Currently, the CMCF gardens are flourishing, the inmates just harvested their first vegetables: cabbage and lettuce. Father Lincoln recently brought in homemade salad dressing so that the inmates could enjoy their harvests. The men are hopeful that a local farmers market will soon allow them to sell their crops. Shaw received a 2025 Bishop Chanche Award for his efforts on the Garden Project.
Embark on a transformative journey with Fr. Lincoln Dall and Deacon John McGregor on a 206 Tours pilgrimage to Fatima, Spain, and Lourdes, with an optional extension to Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina. This spiritually enriching experience invites you to walk in the footsteps of saints and immerse yourself in the profound beauty of Europe’s most sacred sites. For more details and to reserve your place visit: 206tours.com/cms/frlincoln
PEARL – Father Lincoln Dall is moved by the sign inmates at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) had made for him at the Garden Project at the facility. More photos can be viewed at jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com. (Photo by Madelyn Johnson)
In memoriam: Sister Pauline Eagan
FARGO, N.D. – Margaret Mary Egan, a member of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died May 8, 2025, at St. Catherine’s South in Fargo. She was 94.
Egan, known in religious life as Sister Pauline, was born Aug. 8, 1930, in Monagurra Townland, County Cork, Ireland, to John and Hannah O’Neill Egan.
After completing secondary school, she immigrated to the United States and entered the Sisters of the Presentation in Fargo in 1947. She attended Sacred Heart Junior College and completed x-ray technician training at St. John’s Hospital in 1952. She professed perpetual vows in 1953.
Africa and helped establish a radiology technician school at Kinshasa Hospital.
In 1982, she moved to Swaziland, where she continued her work in health care, community organizing and religious education. She returned to the U.S. in 1988 and worked at Dakota Clinic in Fargo until
She worked for 21 years in x-ray and clinical lab departments in hospitals in Park River, Langdon, Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota, and also assisted in hospital business o ces. She volunteered in alcohol-use education and led support groups for people with chemical dependency.
In 1973, Egan began mission work in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), serving in hospital x-ray departments and working for seven years with the Peace Corps. After earning teaching credentials from the State University of New York at Bu alo, she returned to
She later served in Zambia, where she directed a facility for children with disabilities and helped develop a sewing factory that provided jobs for local women. In 1998, she returned to the U.S. and joined Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Mississippi, working in direct aid and advocacy programs.
In 2012, Egan retired to Sacred Heart Convent in Fargo but remained active, volunteering at food pantries and thrift stores and visiting skilled care residents. She continued to pray for the people she had served throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Tommy, Philip, Patrick, Michael, Jackie, Nellie and Bridie McCarthy. Survivors include her Presentation Sisters and Associates, and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 15, at St. Joseph Chapel, Riverview Place, in Fargo. Burial followed at Holy Cross Cemetery North.
Pastoral Assignments
Rev. Joseph Le appointed pastor of Corinth St. James Parish and Sacramental Minister of Booneville St. Francis Parish and its mission St. Mary in Iuka, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Gabriel Savarimuthu appointed Administrator of St. Francis Parish in Aberdeen and St. Helen Parish in Amory, e ective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Mario Solorzano appointed Administrator Pro Tempore in residence of Sacred Heart in Canton, e ective July 1, 2025.
Bishop of Jackson
Happy Ordination Anniversary –
May 27
Rev. Carlisle Beggerly Catholic Community of Meridian
Rev. Charles Bucciantini Retired
May 29
Rev. Guy Blair, SCJ
Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS
Rev. Hilary Brzezinski, OFM St. Francis, Greenwood
Rev. Sam Messina Retired
May 31
Rev. Nick Adam
Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson
Rev. Lincoln Dall
Holy Savior, Clinton
Rev. Binh Chau Nguyen
Immaculate Conception, West Point
Rev. José de Jesus Sanchéz
St. Joseph, Greenville
Rev. Rusty Vincent
St. Paul, Vicksburg
Rev. Aaron Williams
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary & Basilica of St. Mary Natchez
June 1
Rev. Paul Phong Hoang, SCJ Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS
Rev. Anthony Okwum, SSJ
Holy Family, Natchez & St. Anne, Fayette
June 2
Rev. Guy Wilson, ST
Holy Child Jesus, Canton & Sacred Heart, Camden
June 4
Rev. Joe Tonos
St. Richard, Jackson
Deacon Je Artigues
Deacon John McGinley
St. Joseph, Starkville
Deacon Denzil Lobo
Christ the King, Jackson
Deacon John McGregor
St. Jude, Pearl
Deacon Ted Schreck
Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS
June 6
Rev. PJ Curley Retired
June 7
Rev. Aloys Jost, OFM
St. Francis, Greenwood
Rev. Kevin Slattery
St. John, Crystal Springs & St. Martin, Hazelhurst
Rev. Joseph Golamari appointed Administrator of St. Mary Parish in Yazoo City, All Saints Parish in Belzoni and its mission Our Mother of Mercy in Anguilla, e ective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Panneer Arockiam appointed chaplain of St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, e ective July 1, 2025.
Through the kindness of his Heralds of the Good News Provincial and the acceptance of Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, Rev. Albeenreddy Vatti, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi parish in Madison has been incardinated into the Diocese of Jackson.
June 8
Rev. omas Delaney Retired
June 10
Rev. Robert Dore St. Michael, Vicksburg
June 11
Msgr. Patrick Farrell Retired
Rev. omas Lalor Retired
June 12
Rev. Kent Bowlds
Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland
Rev. Frank Cosgrove Retired
Rev. Gerry Hurley St. Paul, Flowood
June 13
Rev. Mike O’Brien Retired
Rev. Mario Solorzano
St. James the Less, Corinth
June 14
Msgr. Mike Flannery Retired
Rev. Tom McGing Retired
Rev. David O’Connor Retired
June 15
Rev. David Szatkowski, SCJ
Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS
June 16
Rev. Je rey Waldrep Annunciation, Columbus
Diocesan schools show faith and excellence in Cognia reaccreditation
BY STAFF REPORTS
JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson’s O ce of Catholic Education recently completed a major milestone with its system reaccreditation review conducted by Cognia, Inc., from April 8–10, 2025. The review was led by Dr. Michael Bratcher, Cognia’s Director of Accreditation Services and the national liaison for Catholic school accreditation. His extensive experience and expertise in evaluating Catholic institutions made him especially well-suited to assess our system’s distinct governance structure, Canonical foundations and deeply rooted Catholic identity.
Unlike public or independent schools, Catholic school systems require evaluators who understand the unique relationships between pastors and principals, the influence of Canon Law, and the integral role of faith in daily instruction. Dr. Bratcher’s presence marked a significant response to longstanding requests for accreditation professionals who can truly appreciate these complexities.
The O ce of Catholic Education was evaluated across four primary domains: Culture of Learning, Leadership for Learning, Engagement of Learning, and Growth in Learning – encompassing 30 rigorous standards. These areas, designed with the student as the central stakeholder, were assessed through surveys, performance data and in-depth classroom observations.
Cognia accreditation is internationally recognized for its high standards and emphasis on continuous improvement. The Diocese of Jackson first earned this prestigious system-wide accreditation in 2019. Under this model, every school in the diocesan system shares in the accreditation status, promoting consistency, excellence and accountability throughout.
Following this year’s engagement review, the Diocese of Jackson received an Index of Educational Quality (IEQ) score of 389 out of 400 – an exceptional result that stands 93 points above Cognia’s global network average of 296. This achievement reflects the outstanding e orts of diocesan Catholic school educators and administrators, who remain committed to excellence and mission-driven service.
Karla Luke, executive director of Catholic Schools said that to achieve a score of this caliber means diocesan school systems are solid, the best practices are imbedded in operations and instruction, and the diocesan Catholic school system is continuously striving for improvement.
“I am so very proud of the e orts of our Catholic School community
in the entire Diocese of Jackson. I would like to thank our teachers and administrators for consistently delivering such high-quality education to our students,” said Luke.
The diocese extends special thanks to the leadership team that helped prepare for the review: Mary Arledge (Vicksburg Catholic Schools), Kimberley Burkley (Cathedral Catholic School), Dr. Dena Kinsey (St. Joseph Catholic School, Madison), and O ce of Catholic Education sta members Rachel Patterson and Virginia Hollingsworth.
“With this outstanding reaccreditation behind them, diocesan leaders look forward to sharing more exciting developments in Catholic education in the months ahead,” said Luke.
(To learn more about Cognia Accreditation and review performance standards visit https://www.cognia.org/accreditation.)
JACKSON – On April 8, Father Joe Tonos, Father Gerry Hurley, Father Albeen Vatti and Father Kevin Slattery met with executive director of Catholic Education Karla Luke and Dr. Michael Bratcher, director of accreditation services for Cognia. The Diocese of Jackson received a score of 389 out of 400 by Cognia for outstanding efforts of educators and administrators, who are committed to excellence and mission-driven service. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
Pope Francis
December 17, 1936 – April 21, 2025
Pope Francis holds a dove before his weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican May 15, 2013. Pope Francis, formerly Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died April 21, 2025, at age 88. (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters)
Global pastor: In word and deed, pope preached mercy, outreach
By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis, who died April 21 at the age of 88, gave new energy to millions of Catholics – and caused concern for some – as he transformed the image of the papacy into a pastoral ministry based on personal encounters and strong convictions about poverty, mission and dialogue.
U.S. Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, announced that Pope Francis had died at 7:35 a.m.
“His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his church,” Cardinal Farrell said in a video announcement broadcast from the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where Pope Francis lived.
His gestures – from tenderly embracing the sick to repeatedly visiting prisoners – touched millions of hearts. But controversy raged over his denunciations of the excesses of unbridled capitalism, his warnings about the human contributions to climate change and his insistence on accompanying, not judging, gay people.
With bronchitis and difficulty breathing, Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital Feb. 14. He was diagnosed with double pneumonia and a complex infection. He had returned to the Vatican March 23 to continue his convalescence.
God’s mercy was a constant theme in Pope Francis’ preaching and was so central to his vision of what the church’s ministry must embody that he proclaimed an extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy for Dec. 8, 2015-Nov. 20, 2016.
Elected March 13, 2013, Pope Francis was the first pope in history to come from the Southern Hemisphere, the first non-European to be elected in almost 1,300 years and the first Jesuit to serve as successor to St. Peter.
In the first three years of his papacy, he published three major documents: “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), a detailed vision of the program for his papacy and his vision for the church – particularly the church’s outreach and its response to challenges posed by secular culture; “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home,” on the environment; and “Amoris Laetitia” (“The Joy of Love”), his reflections on the discussions of the synods of bishops on the family in 2014 and 2015.
Holiness was the topic of his March 2018 apostolic exhortation, “Gaudete et Exsultate” (“Rejoice and Be Glad”) in which he insisted being holy is not boring or impossible, and that it grows through small, daily gestures and acts of loving kindness.
Following in the footsteps of his predecessors, Pope Francis was an untiring voice for peace, urging an end to armed conflict, supporting dialogue and encouraging reconciliation. The pope described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “madness” and called on the world’s bishops to join him in consecrating Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. When Hamas militants attacked communities in Israel, killing scores of people and taking more than 200 people hostage in late 2023, and Israel retaliated by attacking Gaza, Pope Francis made repeated appeals for the return of hostages, a ceasefire to deliver humanitarian aid, and a real commitment to a negotiated peace.
Promoting peace, solidarity and respect for the Earth, the pope insisted people needed to recognize each other as brothers and sisters and issued an encyclical about that, “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship.” He signed the text at the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi on the saint’s feast day, Oct. 4, 2020.
Pope Francis spent much of the first nine years of his pontificate pursuing two ambitious projects: revitalizing the church’s efforts at evangelization – constantly urging outreach rather than a preoccupation with internal church affairs – and reforming the central administration of the Vatican, emphasizing its role of assisting bishops around the world rather than dictating policy to them.
On March 19, 2022, the ninth anniversary of the inauguration of his papacy, he finally promulgated “Praedicate Evangelium” (“Preach the Gospel”), his complete restructuring of the Roma Curia, highlighting its mission to serve the church’s evangelization efforts at all levels.
His simple lifestyle, which included his decision not to live in the Apostolic Palace and his choice of riding around Rome in a small Fiat or Ford instead of a Mercedes sedan, sent a message of austerity to Vatican officials and clergy throughout the church. He reinforced the message with frequent admonitions about the Gospel demands and evangelical witness of poverty and simplicity.
Although he repeatedly said he did not like to travel, he made 47 foreign trips, taking his message of Gospel joy to North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city, Dec. 17, 1936. He earned a chemical technician’s diploma from his high school and entered the Jesuit novitiate in March 1958. After studying liberal arts in Santiago, Chile, he returned to Argentina and earned his licentiate in philosophy from the Colegio San Jose in San Miguel.
He was ordained a priest Dec. 13, 1969, and after his perpetual profession as
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Pope Francis greets Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz of Jackson, Miss., during a meeting with U.S. bishops from Regions IV and V making their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican, Dec. 3, 2019. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Pope Francis pauses in front of a display at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York Sept. 25, 2015. The Virgil quotation on the wall reads, “No day shall erase you from the memory of time.” Pope Francis, formerly Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died April 21, 2025, at age 88. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Sirviendo a los Católicos Hispanos de la Diócesis de Jackson desde 1997
23 de mayo de 2025
El cardenal Prevost, misionero de EEUU, es elegido Papa y toma el nombre de León XIV
El Papa León XIV, quien antes fuera el cardenal Robert F. Prevost, saluda a la multitud en la Plaza de San Pedro del Vaticano tras su elección como Papa el 8 de mayo de 2025. El nuevo Papa nació en Chicago. (Foto CNS/Lola Gomez)
Por cinDy WooDen
CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – El cardenal Robert F. Prevost, nacido en Chicago y prefecto del Dicasterio para los Obispos bajo el Papa Francisco, fue elegido el 267º Papa el 8 de mayo y tomó el nombre de Papa León XIV.
Es el primer norteamericano elegido Papa y, antes del cónclave, era el cardenal estadounidense más mencionado como posible sucesor de San Pedro. Tiene la nacionalidad estadounidense y peruana, ya que sirvió como misionero en Perú por muchos años.
La fumata blanca salió de la chimenea del tejado de la Capilla Sixtina a las 6:07 p.m., hora de Roma, y pocos minutos después empezaron a sonar las campanas de la Basílica de San Pedro.
Unos 20 minutos más tarde, la banda de la policía vaticana y dos docenas de miembros de la Guardia Suiza Pontificia entraron en la plaza de San Pedro. Pronto se les unió la banda de música de los Carabinieri italianos, una rama de la policía militar, y unidades de otras ramas del ejército italiano.
Apenas se conoció la noticia, gentes de toda Roma corrieron a unirse a las decenas de miles que ya se encontraban en la plaza para ver el humo. Entre ellos se encontraba el alcalde de Roma, Roberto Gualtieri.
El cardenal francés Dominique Mamberti, protodiácono del Colegio Cardenalicio, apareció en el balcón central de la basílica de San Pedro a las 7:12 p.m.: “Os anuncio una gran alegría. Tenemos Papa (‘Habemus papam’)”, diciendo el nombre del cardenal en latín y anunciando el nombre por el que será llamado.
El nuevo Papa León salió al balcón, sonriendo y saludando a la multitud vestido con la sotana papal blanca, una mozzetta o capa roja y una estola roja para dar su primera bendición pública “urbi et orbi” (a la ciudad y al mundo).
La multitud gritó repetidamente “Viva el Papa”, mientras los ojos del Papa León parecían lagrimear.
“La paz esté con ustedes”, fueron las primeras palabras del Papa León a la multitud.
“Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas, este es el primer saludo de Cristo resucitado, el buen pastor que dio su vida por el rebaño de Dios”, dijo, rezando para que la paz de Cristo entrara en los corazones de la gente, en sus familias y en “toda la tierra”.
La paz del Señor resucitado, dijo, es “una paz desarmada y una paz desarmante”.
Señalando una fuerte continuidad con el papado del Papa Francisco, el Papa León dijo a la multitud que Dios “nos ama a todos incondicionalmente” y que la iglesia debe estar abierta a todos.
“Todos estamos en las manos de Dios”, dijo, así que “sin miedo, unidos, de la mano de Dios y entre nosotros, vayamos adelante”.
Agradeció a los cardenales que le eligieron, al parecer en la cuarta votación del cónclave, “para ser el sucesor de Pedro y caminar junto a ustedes como Iglesia unida buscando siempre la paz, la justicia” y siendo juntos discípulos misioneros de Cristo.
Diciendo a la multitud que era agustino, citó a San Agustín, que dijo: “Con ustedes soy cristiano y para ustedes obispo”.
“Juntos debemos intentar ser una Iglesia misionera, una Iglesia que construya puentes de diálogo. Siempre abierta a recibir a todos como esta plaza con los brazos abiertos a todos aquellos que tienen necesidad”, dijo.
El nuevo obispo de Roma dijo a la gente de su diócesis y de toda la Iglesia católica: “Queremos ser una Iglesia sinodal, una Iglesia que camina, una Iglesia que busca siempre la paz, que busca siempre la caridad, que siempre buscar estar cerca de la gente, especialmente de los que sufren”.
Tras pedir a la multitud que rezara el Ave María con él, el Papa León pronunció su primera bendición solemne.
Los cardenales que tenían más de 80 años, quienes no podían participar en el cónclave, se unieron a la multitud en la plaza. Entre ellos se encontraban
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‘... Los obispos ... debemos acelerar este movimiento hacia la unidad ...’
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los cardenales Seán P. O’Malley, arzobispo emérito de Boston; Donald W. Wuerl, arzobispo emérito de Washington; y Marc Ouellet, prefecto emérito de la Congregación para los Obispos.
El Papa, de 69 años, ha sido durante mucho tiempo misionero en Perú y tiene la nacionalidad estadounidense y peruana.
La Repubblica, el principal diario italiano, lo describió el 25 de abril como “cosmopolita y tímido”, pero también dijo que era “apreciado por conservadores y progresistas. Tiene visibilidad mundial en un cónclave en el que pocos (cardenales) se conocen”. Esa visibilidad proviene del hecho de que, como prefecto del Dicasterio para los Obispos durante los últimos dos años, fue fundamental para ayudar al Papa Francisco a elegir obispos para muchas diócesis de rito latino, se reunió con cientos de obispos durante sus visitas “ad limina” a Roma y fue llamado a ayudar a los obispos de rito latino del mundo “en todos los asuntos relacionados con el ejercicio correcto y fructífero del oficio pastoral que se les ha confiado”.
El nuevo Papa estaba sirviendo como obispo de Chiclayo, Perú, cuando el Papa Francisco lo llamó a servir en el Vaticano en enero de 2023.
Durante una charla en la parroquia de San Judas en Chicago en agosto, el entonces cardenal dijo que el Papa Francisco lo nominó para ese puesto “específicamente porque no quería que alguien de la Curia Romana asumiera este papel. Quería a un misionero; quería a alguien de fuera; quería a alguien que entrara con una perspectiva diferente”.
En una entrevista de marzo de 2024 con Catholic News Service, dijo que la decisión del Papa Francisco en 2022 de nombrar a tres mujeres como miembros de pleno derecho del dicasterio, dándoles entrada en la selección de obispos “contribuye significativamente al proceso de discernimiento en la búsqueda de quienes esperamos sean los mejores candidatos para servir a la Iglesia en el ministerio episcopal”.
Para disuadir actitudes de clericalismo entre los obispos, dijo, “es importante encontrar hombres
que estén verdaderamente interesados en servir, en predicar el Evangelio, no sólo con palabras elocuentes, sino más bien con el ejemplo y el testimonio que dan”.
De hecho, dijo el cardenal, el baluarte “más eficaz e importante” del Papa Francisco contra el clericalismo es ser “un pastor que predica con el gesto”.
En una entrevista en 2023 con Vatican News, el entonces cardenal Prevost habló sobre la cualidad de liderazgo esencial de un obispo.
“El Papa Francisco ha hablado de cuatro tipos de cercanía: cercanía a Dios, a los hermanos obispos, a los sacerdotes y a todo el pueblo de Dios”, dijo. “No hay que ceder a la tentación de vivir aislados, separados en un palacio, satisfechos con un determinado nivel social o un determinado nivel dentro de la Iglesia”.
“Y no debemos escondernos detrás de una idea de autoridad que hoy ya no tiene sentido”, dijo. “La autoridad que tenemos es servir, acompañar a los sacerdotes, ser pastores y maestros”.
lesia, muy dolorosa”, dijo en mayo de 2023. “Las divisiones y las polémicas en la Iglesia no ayudan nada. Los obispos especialmente debemos acelerar este movimiento hacia la unidad, hacia la comunión en la Iglesia”.
El escudo de armas del Papa León XIV con su lema episcopal, “In Illo uno unum”, literalmente “En el Uno (Cristo), somos uno”, se ve en una imagen publicada por la Secretaría de Estado del Vaticano el 10 de mayo de 2025. (CNS/ Vatican Media)
Como prefecto de ese dicasterio, el entonces cardenal Prevost también fue presidente de la Pontificia Comisión para América Latina, donde reside casi el 40% de los católicos del mundo.
Natural de Chicago, también fue prior general de los agustinos y pasó más de dos décadas sirviendo en Perú, primero como misionero agustino y después como obispo de Chiclayo.
Poco después de llegar a Roma para dirigir el dicasterio, declaró a Vatican News que los obispos tienen la misión especial de promover la unidad de la Iglesia.
“La falta de unidad es una herida que sufre la Ig-
En septiembre, un programa de televisión de Perú informó sobre las acusaciones de tres mujeres que afirmaban que el entonces obispo Prevost no actuó contra un sacerdote que abusó sexualmente de ellas cuando eran menores. La diócesis negó rotundamente la acusación, señalando que se reunió personalmente con las víctimas en abril de 2022, apartó al sacerdote de su parroquia, lo suspendió de su ministerio y llevó a cabo una investigación local que luego se remitió al Vaticano. El Vaticano dijo que no había pruebas suficientes para proceder, al igual que la fiscalía local.
El Papa León XIV nació el 14 de septiembre de 1955 en Chicago, Illinois. Licenciado en Matemáticas por la Universidad agustiniana de Villanova, Pensilvania, ingresó en la orden en 1977 y emitió los votos solemnes en 1981. Es licenciado en Teología por la Catholic Theological Union de Chicago y doctor por la Pontificia Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino de Roma.
Se unió a la misión agustiniana en Perú en 1985 y trabajó en el país hasta 1999, cuando fue elegido jefe de la provincia agustiniana de Chicago. De 2001 a 2013, fue prior general de esta orden. En 2014, el Papa Francisco lo nombró obispo de Chiclayo, en el norte de Perú, y el Papa le pidió también que fuera administrador apostólico de Callao, Perú, de abril de 2020 a mayo de 2021.
El nuevo Papa habla inglés, español, italiano, francés, portugués y sabe leer latín y alemán.
Papa Francisco
17 de diciembre de 1936 – 21 de abril de 2025
El Papa Francisco sostiene una paloma antes de su audiencia semanal en la Plaza de San Pedro del Vaticano el 15 de mayo de 2013. El papa Francisco, antes cardenal argentino Jorge Mario Bergoglio, falleció el 21 de abril de 2025, a la edad de 88 años. (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano vía Reuters)
Pastor mundial: De palabra y obra, el Papa predicó la misericordia y la solidaridad
Por Cindy Wooden
CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – El Papa Francisco, quien falleció el 21 de abril a la edad de 88 años, energizó a millones de católicos – y causó preocupación para algunos – al transformar la imagen del pontificado en un ministerio pastoral basado en encuentros personales y fuertes convicciones sobre la pobreza, la misión y el diálogo.
El cardenal estadounidense Kevin J. Farrell, camarlengo de la Santa Iglesia Romana, anunció que el Papa Francisco había fallecido a las 7:35 de la mañana.
“Toda su vida estuvo dedicada al servicio del Señor y de Su Iglesia”, dijo el cardenal Farrell en un anuncio en vídeo emitido desde la capilla de la Domus Sanctae Marthae, donde vivía el Papa Francisco.
Los gestos del primer Papa procedente de Latinoamérica – desde abrazar tiernamente a los enfermos hasta visitar repetidamente a los presos – llegaron a millones de corazones. Pero sus denuncias de los excesos de un capitalismo salvaje, sus advertencias sobre la contribución humana al cambio climático y su insistencia en acompañar, no juzgar, a las personas homosexuales suscitaron polémicas.
Sufriendo de bronquitis y dificultad para respirar, el Papa Francisco ingresó en el hospital Gemelli de Roma el 14 de febrero. Se le diagnosticó una neumonía doble y una infección compleja. Había regresado al Vaticano el 23 de marzo para continuar su convalecencia.
La misericordia de Dios fue un tema constante en la predicación del Papa Francisco y fue tan central en su visión de lo que debe encarnar el ministerio de la Iglesia que proclamó un Año Santo extraordinario de la Misericordia del 8 de diciembre de 2015 al 20 de noviembre de 2016.
Elegido el 13 de marzo de 2013, el Papa Francisco fue el primer Papa de la historia procedente del hemisferio sur, el primer no europeo en ser elegido en casi 1.300 años y el primer jesuita en ser sucesor de San Pedro.
La bandera de Argentina se ve mientras el Papa Francisco llega para una audiencia general en la Plaza de San Pedro el 3 de abril de 2013. El papa Francisco, antes cardenal argentino
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, falleció el 21 de abril de 2025, a la edad de 88 años. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
En los primeros tres años de su pontificado, publicó tres documentos importantes: “Evangelii Gaudium” (“La Alegría del Evangelio”), una visión detallada del programa de su papado y su visión de la Iglesia – en particular, la extensión de la Iglesia y su respuesta a los desafíos planteados por la cultura secular –; “Laudato Si’” (“Alabado Seas: Sobre el cuidado de la casa común”, sobre el medio ambiente; y “Amoris Laetitia” (“La alegría del amor”), sus reflexiones sobre los debates de los sínodos de obispos sobre la familia en 2014 y 2015.
La santidad fue el tema de su exhortación apostólica de marzo de 2018, “Gaudete et Exsultate” (“Alegraos y regocijaos”), en la que insistió en que ser santo no es aburrido ni imposible, y que crece a través de pequeños gestos cotidianos y actos de amorosa bondad.
Siguiendo los pasos de sus predecesores, el Papa Francisco fue una voz incansable en favor de la paz, instando a poner fin a los conflictos armados, apoyando el diálogo y fomentando la reconciliación. El Papa calificó de “locura” la invasión rusa de Ucrania y pidió a los obispos del mundo que se unieran a él para consagrar Ucrania y Rusia al Inmaculado Corazón de María. Cuando militantes de Hamás atacaron comunidades en Israel, matando a decenas de personas y tomando a más de 200 como rehenes a finales de 2023, e Israel tomó represalias atacando Gaza, el Papa Francisco hizo repetidos llamamientos para que se devolvieran los rehenes, se declarara un alto el fuego para entregar ayuda humanitaria y se estableciera un compromiso real con una paz negociada.
El Papa Francisco dirige un servicio de oración en una vacía Plaza de San Pedro en el Vaticano en esta foto de archivo del 27 de marzo de 2020. (CNS photo/Vatican Media).
Promoviendo la paz, la solidaridad y el respeto por la Tierra, el Papa insistió en que las personas necesitan reconocerse como hermanos y hermanas y publicó una encíclica al respecto, “Fratelli Tutti, sobre la fraternidad y la amistad social”. Firmó el texto ante la tumba de San Francisco de Asís el día de su fiesta, el 4 de octubre de 2020.
El Papa Francisco pasó gran parte de los primeros nueve años de su pontificado persiguiendo dos ambiciosos proyectos: revitalizar los esfuerzos evangelizadores de la Iglesia – constantemente instando a un encuentro con los demás en lugar de una preocupación por los asuntos internos de la Iglesia – y la reforma de la administración central del Vaticano, haciendo hincapié en su papel de ayudar a los obispos de todo el mundo en lugar de dictarles la política.
El 19 de marzo de 2022, noveno aniversario de la inauguración de su papado, promulgó finalmente el “Praedicate Evangelium” (“Predicad el Evangelio”), su reestructuración completa de la Curia romana, destacando su misión de servir a los esfuerzos de evangelización de la Iglesia a todos los niveles.
Su estilo de vida sencillo, que incluía su decisión de no vivir en el Palacio Apostólico y su elección de desplazarse por Roma en un pequeño Fiat o Ford en lugar de un Mercedes, envió un mensaje de austeridad a los funcionarios vaticanos y al clero de toda la Iglesia. El Santo Padre reforzó el mensaje con frecuentes advertencias sobre las exigencias evangélicas y el testimonio evangélico de pobreza y sencillez.
Aunque dijo en repetidas ocasiones que no le gustaba viajar, realizó 47 viajes al extranjero, llevando su mensaje de alegría evangélica a América del Norte y del Sur, Europa, África y Asia.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio nació en Buenos Aires, capital de Argentina, el 17 de diciembre de 1936. Obtuvo el título de técnico químico en la secundaria y entró en el noviciado de los jesuitas en marzo de 1958. Tras estudiar Filosofía y Letras en Santiago de Chile, regresó a Argentina y se licenció en Filosofía en el Colegio San José de San Miguel.
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El Papa Francisco fue un firme defensor del carácter sagrado de la vida humana ...
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Fue ordenado sacerdote el 13 de diciembre de 1969, y tras su profesión perpetua como jesuita en 1973, fue nombrado maestro de novicios en el Seminario de Villa Barilari en San Miguel. Más tarde, ese mismo año, fue nombrado superior de la provincia jesuita de Argentina, un cargo en el que, según su propio relato, demostró ser una figura divisiva por su “manera autoritaria y rápida de tomar decisiones”.
En mayo de 1992, el padre Bergoglio fue nombrado obispo auxiliar de la Arquidiócesis de Buenos Aires. Cinco años después fue nombrado arzobispo coadjutor y en 1998 arzobispo de Buenos Aires; el Papa Juan Pablo II le nombró miembro del Colegio Cardenalicio en 2001. Como líder de una arquidiócesis con más de 2,5 millones de católicos, el cardenal Bergoglio se esforzó por estar cerca de la gente. Viajaba en autobús, visitaba a los pobres, vivía en un apartamento sencillo y se preparaba su propia comida.
El Papa Francisco reacciona mientras se reúne con migrantes durante su visita al campo de refugiados y migrantes de Mavrovouni, en la isla de Lesbos, Grecia, el 5 de diciembre de 2021. El Papa Francisco falleció el 21 de abril de 2025, a los 88 años. (Foto CNS/Guglielmo Mangiapane, Reuters)
Su reputación internacional se vio reforzada por su trabajo en la asamblea de 2007 del Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano (CELAM) y, en particular, por su papel como jefe del comité que redactó el documento final de la reunión sobre la reforma y la revitalización de los esfuerzos evangelizadores de la Iglesia en el continente.
El cardenal Bergoglio era una figura conocida y respetada en el Colegio Cardenalicio, hasta el punto de que nadie puso en duda la noticia publicada por una prestigiosa revista italiana de que había obtenido el segundo mayor número de votos en las cuatro votaciones del cónclave de 2005 en el que se eligió al Papa Benedicto XVI.
Ocho años después, el Papa Benedicto se retiró. En las reuniones de cardenales previas al cónclave de 2013 para elegir a su sucesor, la necesidad de reformar la burocracia vaticana fue un tema común de preocupación.
En su discurso, el cardenal Bergoglio advirtió contra “la autorreferencialidad y una suerte de narcisismo teológico” en la Iglesia y argumentó que el próximo Papa debía ser “un hombre que, desde la contemplación de Jesucristo y desde la adoración a Jesucristo ayude a la Iglesia a salir de sí hacia las periferias existenciales” para difundir el Evangelio.
Su elección, el 13 de marzo, se produjo el segundo día del cónclave, en su quinta votación. Eligió el nombre de Francisco en honor a San Francisco de Asís, “el hombre de la pobreza, el hombre de la paz, el hombre que ama y protege la creación”, dijo.
“Salgan” fue la petición constante del Papa Francisco a todos los católicos, desde los cardenales de la Curia hasta la gente de los bancos en las iglesias. Más de una vez, dijo a los fieles que mientras la Biblia presenta a Jesús llamando
El cardenal Agostino Vallini, vicario papal para Roma, junto al Papa Francisco mientras el recién elegido pontífice aparece por primera vez en el balcón central de la Basílica de San Pedro en el Vaticano en esta foto de archivo del 13 de marzo de 2013. (Foto CNS/Paul Haring)
a la puerta del corazón de la gente para entrar, hoy Jesús llama a las puertas de las iglesias parroquiales intentando salir y estar entre la gente.
Sin embargo, fue criticado por lo que muchos consideraron una falta de coherencia a la hora de abordar con firmeza la crisis de los abusos sexuales por parte del clero, especialmente en lo que se refiere a responsabilizar a los obispos de la gestión de las denuncias y a destituir a los sacerdotes acusados de abusos de forma creíble.
Y aunque su pontificado supuso un gran avance en los intentos del Vaticano de llegar a un acuerdo con el gobierno comunista de China sobre el nombramiento de obispos católicos, un acuerdo provisional firmado en septiembre de 2018, y renovado en 2020, 2022 y 2024, fue denunciado por los críticos como una traición a los católicos que arriesgaron sus vidas por negarse a cualquier cooperación con los comunistas.
Al igual que sus predecesores, el Papa Francisco fue un firme defensor del carácter sagrado de la vida humana. En un encuentro con médicos católicos en noviembre de 2014, por ejemplo, insistió en que “a la luz de la fe y de la recta razón, la vida humana es siempre sagrada y siempre ‘de calidad’. No existe una vida humana más sagrada que otra” ni “una vida humana cualitativamente más significativa que otra”.
Para el Papa Francisco, ayudar a los indefensos también significa prestar especial atención a los prisioneros, a las víctimas de la guerra y, en particular, a los cristianos y otras minorías religiosas perseguidas por su fe.
Cuando las fuerzas del Estado Islámico y otros grupos terroristas comenzaron a atacar específicamente a los cristianos y otras minorías religiosas en Siria e Irak, y más tarde en el norte de África, el Papa Francisco exigió a la comunidad internacional que actuara.
Citó con frecuencia cifras según las cuales el número de mártires cristianos es hoy mayor que en los primeros siglos del cristianismo, e insistió en que la comunidad internacional no puede “mirar hacia otro lado”.
El cardenal argentino Jorge Mario Bergoglio, ahora Papa Francisco, lava los pies a los residentes de un refugio para drogadictos durante la misa de Jueves Santo en 2008 en una iglesia de un barrio pobre de Buenos Aires, Argentina. El Papa Francisco murió el 21 de abril de 2025, a la edad de 88 años. (Foto OSV News/Enrique García Medina, Reuters)
Humo blanco y luz eterna
Por obisPo JosePh r. KoPacz, D.D.
La celebración de la resurrección del Señor durante la temporada de Pascua siempre lleva las marcas del renacimiento de la vida en la iglesia, así como en el mundo natural que nos rodea. Comenzando con la Vigilia Pascual, las aguas del Bautismo, la unción con el crisma, la proclamación de la Palabra de Dios y la solemnidad del Cuerpo y la Sangre de cristo son las formas ordinarias y extraordinarias en que nuestras comunidades parroquiales florecen como miembros del Cuerpo de Cristo. La esperanza y la alegría que brotan del amor del Señor resucitado lanzan raíces a nuestro alrededor.
A la luz de esto, es evidente que la muerte del Papa Francisco y la elección del Papa León XIV han profundizado nuestra experiencia de los ritmos del misterio pascual en el tiempo pascual.
Un hombre con un rosario y una bandera estadounidense reacciona cuando el cardenal Robert Francis Prevost, que ha elegido el nombre papal de León XIV, aparece en el balcón central de la Basílica de San Pedro en el Vaticano el 8 de mayo de 2025, tras su elección. Es el primer Papa americano de la historia. (Foto OSV News/Dylan Martinez, Reuters)
La Esquina del Papa
El fallecimiento del Papa Francisco después de 12 años como Santo Padre evocó una efusión mundial de gratitud amorosa en nombre de este líder espiritual cuya voz profética inspiró a muchos dentro y fuera de la Iglesia. La liturgia luctuosa y los ritos solemnes y procesiones que lo acompañaban colocaron a la iglesia en el escenario mundial durante un largo período de tiempo, proclamando a todos los participantes y observadores la esencia de nuestra fe y esperanza en el crucificado y resucitado de entre los muertos.
Francisco encarnaba la mente y el corazón del Buen Pastor a través de palabras y gestos, a través de la enseñanza y la evangelización, y a través de su medida como la voz de la conciencia y los derechos humanos en todo el mundo, fue evidente en las respuestas de todo el espectro de la vida, incluidos los jefes de estado y las personas sin hogar. Que nuestras oraciones llenas de esperanza de la liturgia exequial acompañen a este siervo de Dios. “Que los ángeles te conduzcan al paraíso; que los mártires vengan a saludar en el camino y os lleven a la ciudad santa, la nueva y eterna Jerusalén. Que coros de ángeles os acojan y conduzcan al seno de Abraham; donde Lázaro ya no es pobre y que encuentres el descanso eterno”.
Después de hacer una pausa para un momento adecuado de luto y permitir a los cardenales electores la oportunidad de instalarse y prepararse para el cónclave, el ciclo de noticias de 24 horas se activó una vez más. Desde eclesiásticos hasta apostadores de Las Vegas, hubo una considerable especulación sobre quién emergería como el papa número 267.
La tradición del cónclave, de 700 años de antigüedad, fue explorada y analizada de todas las formas imaginables, y de hecho se apoderó de la imaginación. Aún más impresionante fue el hecho de que los 130+ cardenales representaban a 71 países, prueba viviente de la Iglesia Católica es global. Pero aún seguía la pregunta ¿se prolongaría el cónclave, o terminaría en cuestión de dos o tres días, su duración en las últimas elecciones era una pregunta repetida? Miles de personas que se reunieron con alegría y oración en la Plaza de San Pedro para esperar el humo blanco y el toque de las campanas representaron a muchas otras personas de todo el mundo que permanecieron vigilantes en oración y esperanza gozosa. Por fin, llegó el momento. ¡Habemus Papam! Para sorpresa de la mayoría de los que estaban pegados a los procedimientos, la iglesia está celebrando al primer papa estadounidense. Parece que los apostadores no tuvieron en cuenta el impacto del Espíritu Santo.
Estamos en el comienzo de un nuevo día en el centro de la Iglesia Católica con la elección del Papa León XIV, el ex Cardenal Robert Francis Prevost. Su comunidad religiosa agustina y las naciones del Perú y los Estados Unidos, junto con todo el mundo católico, se alegran de recibirlo como sucesor de San Pedro, Vicario de Cristo, Obispo de Roma y Siervo de los Siervos de Dios. El nombre de Leo es profundamente significativo para nuestros tiempos y dice mucho sobre las esperanzas y los sueños de nuestro Santo Padre para nuestra iglesia y el mundo.
El Papa León reza por las vocaciones, por la paz y por las madres en el Día de la Madre
by cinDy WooDen
CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – Con una multitud enorme y festiva reunida en la Plaza de San Pedro, el Papa León XIV dirigió su primera recitación dominical de la oración “Regina Coeli” e instó a todos los católicos a rezar por las vocaciones, especialmente al sacerdocio y a la vida religiosa.
Antes de que el Papa apareciera en el balcón central de la Basílica de San Pedro el 11 de mayo, la multitud fue entretenida por docenas de bandas de música y grupos de danza folclórica que habían marchado a la plaza después de asistir a una Misa al aire libre por el Jubileo de las Bandas y del Espectáculo Popular.
El Papa León señaló también que era el Día de la Madre en Italia, Estados Unidos y otros países. “Envío un afectuoso saludo a todas las madres, con una oración por ellas y por las que ya están en el cielo”, dijo. “¡Feliz Día de la Madre a todas las madres!”.
Las autoridades italianas estimaron que 100.000 personas se encontraban en la Plaza de San Pedro o en las calles aledañas para unirse al nuevo Papa en la oración del mediodía.
En su discurso principal, el Papa León dijo que era un “un don de Dios” que su primer domingo como obispo de Roma fuera el domingo del Buen Pastor, en el que la Iglesia proclama un pasaje de Juan 10 “donde Jesús se revela como el verdadero Pastor, que conoce, ama y da la vida por sus ovejas”.
También es el día en que la Iglesia Católica ofrece oraciones especiales por las vocaciones, especialmente al sacerdocio y a la vida religiosa. Es importante, dijo, que “los jóvenes encuentren en nuestras comunidades: acogida, escucha, estímulo en su camino vocacional” en sus comunidades, y que “puedan contar con modelos creíbles de entrega generosa a Dios y a sus hermanos”, dijo el Papa.
Destacando que el Papa Francisco había lanzado un mensaje en marzo en preparación para esta jornada de oración, el Papa León dijo a la multitud: “Hagamos nuestra la invitación que el Papa Francisco nos dejó en su mensaje para esta jornada en las que nos pedía a acoger y acompañar a los jóvenes”.
“Roguemos al Padre celestial el ser, los unos para los otros, cada uno según su estado, pastores ‘según su corazón’, capaces de ayudarnos mutuamente a caminar en el amor y en la verdad”, dijo el nuevo Papa.
Dejando a un lado el texto preparado, se dirigió a los jóvenes presentes en la plaza, diciendo: “A los jóvenes les digo: ¡No tengan miedo! ¡Acepten la invitación de la Iglesia y de Cristo el Señor!”.
Tras recitar el “Regina Coeli”, mencionó cómo el 8 de mayo, día de su elección, se celebraba el 80 aniversario del final de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en Europa.
Aunque eso es motivo de celebración, dijo, “la Tercera Guerra Mundial se está combatiendo a pedazos, como ha afirmado repetidamente el Papa Francisco. Yo también hago un llamamiento a los líderes del mundo, repitiendo esta súplica siempre actual: ¡Nunca más la guerra!”.
El Papa León rezó por el “amado pueblo ucraniano”, diciendo: “Que se haga todo lo posible para alcanzar cuanto antes una paz verdadera, justa y duradera. Que todos los prisioneros sean liberados y que los niños vuelvan con sus familias”. Ucrania afirma que miles de niños han sido llevados a la fuerza a Rusia durante la guerra.
El Papa también dijo a la multitud: “Me causa mucho dolor lo que está sucediendo en la franja de Gaza. Que cese inmediatamente el fuego y que se lleve ayuda humanitaria a la extenuada población civil y que se liberen a todos los prisioneros”.
Elogió a India y Pakistán por alcanzar un acuerdo de alto el fuego, pero dijo: “Pero, ¿cuántos otros conflictos hay en el mundo?”.
El Papa León encomendó su “sentida súplica” por la paz a María, “Reina de la Paz, para que la presente al Señor Jesús y nos obtenga el milagro de la paz”.
Previamente, el Papa León había celebrado la Misa en un altar cercano a la tumba de San Pedro, en la gruta de la Basílica de San Pedro. El padre Alejandro Moral Antón, Prior General de la Orden de San Agustín, a la que pertenecía el Papa, fue el celebrante principal.
Después, según la oficina de prensa del Vaticano, el Papa León se detuvo a rezar ante las tumbas de los pontífices enterrados en la gruta.
La gente reacciona con júbilo durante una Misa en la Catedral de Santa María de Chiclayo en Perú 10 de mayo 2025, celebrando la elección del Papa León XIV 8 de mayo en el Vaticano. El nuevo Papa fue obispo de Chiclayo entre 2015 y 2023. (Foto OSV News/Sebastian Castaneda, Reuters)
NACIÓN
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (OSV News) – En medio de una ofensiva de inmigración en Nashville que ha vaciado los bancos en varias parroquias de habla hispana, la Diócesis de Nashville está recordando a los fieles que, siguiendo las enseñanzas de la propia Iglesia y el derecho canónico, no están obligados a asistir a la misa dominical si temen por su bienestar. Este mensaje, difundido en las parroquias de la diócesis de Nashville, se produce en medio de una operación conjunta entre el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de EE.UU. y la Patrulla de Carreteras de Tennessee que, hasta el momento, se ha saldado con 196 detenciones. Rick Musacchio, director ejecutivo de la Conferencia Católica de Tennessee, pro-
23 de mayo de 2025
porcionó a OSV News una copia de la declaración sobre la asistencia a misa. «En respuesta a las recientes actividades de aplicación de la ley de inmigración en el área de Nashville, muchos de los de nuestra diócesis están preocupados por la posibilidad de ser confrontados o detenidos mientras asisten a misa u otros eventos parroquiales», declaró. «Nuestras iglesias permanecen abiertas para dar la bienvenida y servir a nuestras comunidades parroquiales, pero ningún católico está obligado a asistir a misa el domingo si hacerlo pone en riesgo su seguridad». Hablando en nombre de la diócesis, Musacchio dijo a OSV News que «la asistencia a la misa dominical en nuestras dos parroquias principales, principalmente de habla hispana, se redujo alrededor del 50%» debido a la operación del ICE. Dijo que el mensaje pretende ayudar a los párrocos a «aconsejar a nuestro rebaño ... que cualquier católico individual puede determinar que es demasiado peligroso ir a misa por cualquier razón, y no debe sentirse obligado a ir a misa» en tales condiciones.
MUNDO
CHICLAYO, Perú (OSV News) – Miles de personas se reunieron fuera de la Catedral de Santa María de Chiclayo para dar gracias por su querido ex obispo – ahora Papa León XIV. Conocido localmente como Monseñor Robert Prevost, fue obispo de Chiclayo de 2015 a 2023 antes de convertirse en cardenal y ahora en Papa. Su profundo amor por el pueblo peruano, especialmente por los pobres, fue celebrado con alegres cánticos de «¡Viva el Papa León!» y «¡El papa es chiclayano!». Mons. Edinson Farfán Córdova, su sucesor, calificó la elección como un regalo del Señor Resucitado, recordando a León XIV como un hombre que caminó con el pueblo, abrazó su cultura y vivió sus luchas. Desde viajar a zonas inundadas hasta instalar plantas de oxígeno durante la pandemia, su legado pastoral dejó un profundo impacto. Aunque nació en Chicago, el Papa León se nacionalizó peruano y se le recuerda con cariño por su humildad, su cercanía a los fieles y su amor por las tradiciones locales, desde el ceviche hasta las tortitas de choclo. Su corazón misionero y sus raíces agustinianas le han convertido en un Papa de comunión y servicio. Para muchos peruanos, su elección es algo extraordinario: la prueba de que un obispo de Chiclayo puede inspirar a la Iglesia universal.
TOME NOTA
La Diócesis de Jackson se compromete a garantizar que ninguna persona a la que sirva la iglesia corra el riesgo de sufrir abuso o explotación sexual por parte del clero, los religiosos o el personal laico de la iglesia.
El bienestar espiritual de todas las víctimas, sus familias y otros miembros de la comunidad es de particular interés para la iglesia. De acuerdo con nuestra política, a todas las víctimas se les ofrece asesoramiento y atención pastoral.
Se alienta a cualquier persona que haya sido víctima de abuso o explotación por parte del clero, religioso o personal de la iglesia laica y aún no lo haya denunciado, a que lo haga. Nuestra coordinadora de asistencia a víctimas, Erika Rojas, una trabajadora social con licencia, está disponible para ayudar a hacer un informe. Números de contacto del Coordinador de Asistencia a las Víctimas: (601) 326-3736; (601) 326-3760.
Para obtener más información sobre las políticas y procedimientos diocesanos y para saber qué está haciendo la diócesis para crear un entorno seguro para todos, visite el sitio web diocesano en www.jacksondiocese.org y haga clic en "Protección de Niños."
Para hacer una denuncia de abuso o mal manejo de denuncias de abuso sexual por parte de un obispo, visite https://reportbishopabuse.org.
Vírgenes y Santos
San Felipe Neri. 26 de mayo
Día de los caídos en combate. 26 de mayo
San Augustín de Canterbury. 27 de mayo
San Paul VI. 29 de mayo
Visitación de la Bienaventurada Virgen María. 31 de mayo
Ascensión del Señor. Día de obligación. 1 de junio
San Bonifacio. 5 de junio
+Joseph R. Kopacz D.D., Ph.D.
Bishop of
Jackson
Domingo de Pentecostés. 8 de junio
Bienaventurada Virgen María, madre de la Inglesia. 9 de junio
Envíenos sus fotos a editor@jacksondiocese.org
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“... ‘Go out’ was Pope Francis’ constant plea to every Catholic ...”
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a Jesuit in 1973, he became master of novices at the Seminary of Villa Barilari in San Miguel. Later that same year, he was appointed superior of the Jesuit province of Argentina, a role in which by his own account he proved a divisive figure because of an “authoritarian and quick manner of making decisions.”
In May 1992, Father Bergoglio was named an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires. He was appointed coadjutor archbishop five years later and became archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998; Pope John Paul II named him to the College of Cardinals in 2001.
As leader of an archdiocese with more than 2.5 million Catholics, Cardinal Bergoglio strove to be close to the people. He rode the bus, visited the poor, lived in a simple apartment and cooked his own meals.
His international reputation was enhanced by his work at the 2007 assembly of the Latin American bishops’ council, CELAM, and particularly by his role as head of the committee that drafted the gathering’s final document on reforming and reinvigorating the church’s evangelizing efforts on the continent.
Pope Francis dons a traditional Indigenous headdress during a meeting with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities at Maskwacis, Canada, July 25, 2022. The pope travelled to Canada on a “penitential pilgrimage” and apologized for the role of Catholics in operating residential schools for Indigenous Canadians where physical and sexual abuse was commonplace. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Cardinal Bergoglio was a known and respected figure within the College of Cardinals, so much so that no one disputed a respected Italian journal’s report that he received the second-highest number of votes on all four ballots cast in the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI.
Eight years later, Pope Benedict retired. At the cardinals’ meetings prior to the 2013 conclave to elect his successor, the need to reform the Vatican bureaucracy was a common theme of concern.
Addressing the gathering, Cardinal Bergoglio warned against “self-referentiality and a kind of theological narcissism” in the church and argued the next pope “must be a man who, from the contemplation and adoration of Jesus Christ, helps the church to go out to the existential peripheries” to spread the Gospel.
His election March 13 came on the second day of the conclave, on its fifth ballot. He chose the name Francis to honor St. Francis of Assisi, “the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation,” he said.
“Go out” was Pope Francis’ constant plea to every Catholic, from curial cardinals to the people in the pews. More than once, he told people that while the Bible presents Jesus as knocking at the door of people’s hearts to get in, today Jesus is knocking at the doors of parish churches
trying to get out and among the people.
But he faced criticism for what many saw as a lack of consistency in dealing forcefully with the clerical sexual abuse crisis, especially when it came to holding bishops accountable for handling allegations and removing priests credibly accused of abuse.
And while his pontificate marked major progress in the Vatican’s attempts to reach an agreement with China’s communist government on the appointment of Catholic bishops, a provisional accord signed in September 2018, and renewed in 2020, 2022 and 2024, was denounced by critics as a betrayal of Catholics who risked their lives for refusing any cooperation with the communists.
Like his predecessors, Pope Francis was a strong defender of the sacredness of human life. Meeting Catholic physicians in November 2014, for example, he insisted that in “the light of faith and the light of correct reason, human life is always sacred and always of ‘quality.’ There is no human life that is more sacred than another” and no “human life qualitatively more significant than another.”
For Pope Francis, helping the defenseless also meant paying special attention to prisoners, victims of war and, particularly, Christians and other religious minorities persecuted for their faith.
When Islamic State forces and other terrorist groups began specifically targeting Christians and other religious minorities in Syria and Iraq, and later in North Africa, Pope Francis demanded the international community act.
He frequently cited figures that the number of Christian martyrs is greater today than in the first centuries of Christianity, and he insisted the international community cannot “look the other way.”
Pope Francis greets retired Pope Benedict XVI at the retired pontiff’s Vatican residence Dec. 23, 2013. (OSV News photo/Vatican Media)
FROM THE ARCHIVES
By Mary WoodWard
Habemus episcopum
JACKSON – With all the excitement about electing our new pope and having that new pope be from the United States, I started thinking about all the popes who have had a connection to our diocese. In looking back to our establishment, 14 popes including Pope Leo XIV, have been in office – 10 Italians, one Pole, one German, one Argentine, and one American. How cool is that?!
Our diocese was established on July 28, 1837. The pope of that time was Gregory XVI, who was the supreme pontiff from 1831 to 1846. Not only would he have established our diocese, but he also would have appointed the first bishop, which usually comes along with the establishment of a diocese. His initial 1837 appointment went to a priest from Pittsburgh, who declined the opportunity to come to the frontier and build an entire diocese from the ground up.
Since they did not have email or fax capabilities in 1837, it took until 1841 for the Diocese of then Natchez to get its shepherd in the person of John Joseph Marie Benedict Chanche, SS. In our diocesan archive we have the original papal decreeing of establishment of the diocese and the papal bull appointing Bishop Chanche. We have the bulls for most all of our bishops down in the vault.
Following Gregory XVI, Pope Blessed Pius IX (1846-1878) appointed Bishop James Oliver VandeVelde, SJ, first to Chicago in late 1848, then to Natchez in 1853, to succeed Bishop Chanche who had died unexpectedly in July 1852. Bishop VandeVelde died of Yellow Fever in 1855 and Blessed Pius IX appointed Bishop William Henry Elder to succeed him in 1857.
Bishop Elder’s Bull is signed on the back by the consecrating bishops – Archbishop Francis Kenrick of Baltimore, Bishop John McGill of Richmond, and Bishop James Frederick Wood of the titular see of Antigonea. Antigonea was an ancient diocese that had been suppressed. At that time, Bishop Wood was co-adjutor to Philadelphia. Auxiliaries and Co-Adjutors are given a titular see because every bishop needs a diocese.
An interesting note about the Titular See of Antigonea is that 100 years after Bishop Ward, an auxiliary bishop of Krakow, Poland was named its bishop. That bishop was Karol Wojtyła future Pope St. John Paul II, who appointed Bishop William Houck in 1978 and Bishop Joseph Latino in 2003 as our ninth and tenth bishops respectively. St. John Paul II ordained Bishop Houck to the episcopacy on May 29, 1979, in Rome.
There is one more signature on Bishop Elder’s bull and it is quite a treasure. The Bishop of Philadelphia was present and signed the bull beneath the other three. This was none other than St. John Nepomucene Neumann, CSsR.
Pope Leo XIII (1878 – 1903), from whom the new pope Leo XIV takes inspiration and his name, appointed Bishop Francis Janssens in 1881 to succeed Bishop Elder, who had been appointed by Leo XIII as Archbishop of Cincinnati in 1880. Subsequently, Bishop Janssens was appointed as Archbishop of New Orleans by Leo XIII in 1888. Bishop Thomas Heslin was then appointed by Leo XIII as our fifth bishop in 1889.
In 1903, Pope St. Pius X was elected. St. Pius X would have been the pope while Bishop Gerow was in seminary in Rome from 1904-1909. As a seminarian, then Richard Gerow and his class met with St. Pius X.
St. Pius X appointed Bishop John Edward Gunn, SM, to be the sixth Bishop of Natchez in 1911. Benedict XV succeeded St. Pius X in 1914. It is interesting to note that two Benedicts, the XVth and the XVIth, served the office beautifully from 1914 – 1922 and 2005 – 2013, but neither appointed a bishop for our diocese.
After Bishop Gunn’s death in February 1924, Bishop Gerow, mentioned above, was appointed by Pope Pius XI (1922 – 1939). In late 1956, Pope Pius XII (1939 –1958) appointed Bishop Joseph Brunini, our only homegrown bishop, as auxiliary to Natchez. Soon after this, Pius XII would have approved the renaming of the diocese to Natchez-Jackson in 1957.
When Bishop Gerow retired at age 81 in 1966, he was the first bishop to retire while in office. Pope St. Paul VI (1963 – 1978) then appointed Bishop Brunini as the eighth bishop of the diocese in 1968. Bishop Brunini had been serving as apostolic administrator since Bishop Gerow’s retirement in 1966.
St. Paul VI would have been the pope to divide Mississippi into two dioceses by splitting the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson into the Diocese of Jackson and the Diocese of Biloxi in 1977. St. Paul VI had appointed Bishop Joseph Howze as auxiliary in 1972. When the diocese was divided, St. Paul VI appointed Bishop Howze as the first Bishop of Biloxi.
Pope St. John XXIII (1958 – 1963) was too busy with his aggiornamento and calling the Second Vatican Council to name any bishops for our diocese. Pope Blessed John Paul I served only one month in 1978 from August to September.
Pope Francis (2013 – 2025) appointed our current chief shepherd, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, who will turn 75 in September of this year. God willing, it will be up to Pope Leo XIV to appoint our next bishop sometime after that.
Habemus papam!
(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.) diocese 12
Photo from Bishop R.O. Gerow’s seminary scrapbook of Pope St. Pius X working at his desk in 1904. (Photo courtesy of archives)
The facade of the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is seen in Mobile, Ala., May 1, 2025. The Catholic landmark, a cornerstone of downtown Mobile for 175 years, has overcome several challenges throughout its history, and now termites are the latest challenge for the cathedral. (OSV News photo/Rob Herbst, The Catholic Week)
NATION
MOBILE, Ala. (OSV News) – A historic Catholic landmark in downtown Mobile is facing a new challenge – this time, from termites. The Archdiocese of Mobile announced on April 25 that engineers have declared the west end of the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception unsafe due to extensive termite damage. That section includes the sacristies but not the sanctuary, nave or main entrance, which remain secure. As a precaution, sacristy items have been relocated. The cathedral, a fixture of Mobile since 1850, has weathered many trials over the years – from a deadly Civil War explosion to fire and hurricane damage. Now, the archdiocese is in arbitration with Terminex over responsibility for the current infestation. Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi assured the faithful that the ca-
thedral will be repaired and preserved: “It’s a magnificent building, and we’re doing everything possible to make sure it continues to be an asset in our city.” Mass continues to be celebrated at the cathedral.
VATICAN
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Among his first messages, Pope Leo XIV expressed his intention to strengthen the Catholic Church’s ties with the Jewish community. “Trusting in the assistance of the Almighty, I pledge to continue and strengthen the church’s dialogue and cooperation with the Jewish people in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council’s declaration ‘Nostra Aetate,’” the pope wrote in a message to Rabbi Noam Marans, director of interreligious affairs at the American Jewish Committee (AJC). Promulgated 60 years ago, “Nostra Aetate” affirmed the Catholic Church’s spiritual kinship with the Jewish people and condemned all forms of anti-Semitism. The pope’s message signed May 8 –the day of his election – was posted on the AJC’s X account May 13. Pope Leo also sent a personal message to Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of Rome, “informing him of his election as the new pontiff,” according to a statement posted May 13 on the Facebook page of Rome’s Jewish community.
WORLD
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (OSV News) – Archbishop J. Michael Miller, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, British Columbia, is calling for prayer after a deadly car-ramming attack in that city amid a Filipino festival. At least 11 have been killed and more than 20 injured after a man drove an Audi SUV into crowds attending the April 26 Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver. The street fair, a celebration of Filipino culture, honors the Philippines’ national hero Datu Lapu-Lapu. A suspect is in custody – a 30-yearold known to police and mental health professionals – and terrorism is not suspected, said Vancouver Police. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre both expressed condolences to Canada’s Filipino community following the attack. Archbishop Miller, who is overseeing the Vancouver Archdiocese until the installation of Archbishop Richard W. Smith in May, said in an April 27 statement, “What should have been a joyful gathering to honour Filipino heritage has been overshadowed by sorrow and shock,” he said. “I encourage all of us to come together in prayer, asking the Lord to pour out his mercy upon those affected and to grant strength to all who are carrying heavy hearts.”
10 things to know about Pope Leo XIV
By Maria Wiering
(OSV News) – As the Catholic Church welcomes its first American pope, here are 10 things to know about Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert F. Prevost.
1. Chicagoan. Pope Leo was born Sept. 14, 1955, and grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, was an educator, and his mother, Mildred Martínez, was a librarian. He has two older brothers, was active in his childhood parish and his brother John says he is a White Sox fan. His family is reportedly of French, Italian and Spanish origin, with Creole heritage on his mother’s side. He loves the sport of tennis and plays regularly.
2. Cosmopolitan. While American, Pope Leo has a global perspective, having lived most of his adult life in Peru and Rome. Based on his assignments, it appears that he has spent less than five years combined living in the United States since his priesthood ordination in 1982.
3. Augustinian. He is a member of the Order of St. Augustine, a religious order that dates to 1244 and was founded to live the spirituality of early Christians. The order considers St. Augustine, a fifth-century theologian, philosopher and bishop of Hippo, its father. Before ordination, Pope Leo attended St. Augustine Seminary High School in Holland, Michigan, and Villanova University near Philadelphia, both Augustinian institutions. Augustinians are mendicant, meaning that they traditionally survive on begging or their own work, do not hold property and do not spend their life in a single location. Pope Leo is the first Augustinian to assume the chair of Peter, and the second member of a religious order to do so in nearly two centuries – the first being the first Jesuit pope, Pope Francis.
4. Canonist. Pope Leo is a canon lawyer, having received his licentiate and doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, also known as the Angelicum, in Rome. He wrote doctoral thesis on “The role of the local prior in the Order of Saint Augustine.” For nearly a decade he served the Archdiocese of Trujillo, Peru, as its judicial vicar, which oversees the diocesan tribunal. During that time he was also a professor of canon, patristic and moral law in the San Carlos e San Marcelo Major Seminary.
5. Leader. Pope Leo has an impressive range of leadership experience. After several pastoral and seminary formation roles in Chicago and Peru, he was elected in 1999 to oversee his order’s province in Chicago, and then two years later, he took the helm of the order worldwide. He was reelected for a second six-year term, ul-
timately holding the Rome-based position for 12 years. Then, in 2014, Pope Francis appointed him to oversee the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, a role he held for nine years and that included a year-long stint as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Callao, Peru, whose see city is nearly 500 miles south of Chiclayo. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Bishops, which oversees the appointments of bishops worldwide.
6. Baby boomer. At age 69, Pope Leo is seven years younger than Pope Francis was when he was elected in 2013, and nine years younger than Pope Benedict XVI when he was elected in 2005. He is 11 years older than St. John Paul II, who was 58 at his 1978 election.
7. Socially minded. His name is an apparent nod to Pope Leo XIII, who led the church from 1878 until 1903 and is especially known for his 1891 encyclical “Rerum Novarum,” or “On the Condition of the Working Classes.” That document responded to the state of the industrial society at the end of the 19th century and cemented Pope Leo XIII’s position as the modern father of Catholic social doctrine. Pope Leo XIII also composed the popular St. Michael prayer, penned an 1879 encyclical calling for the rooting of Christian philosophy in the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas, and issued an 1899 apostolic letter condemning “Americanism,” a worldview he feared was held by American prelates that bolstered American values such as pluralism and individualism to the detriment of Catholic teaching.
8. Peace bearer. Pope Leo’s first words to the world were “Peace be with you” on a balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica overlooking masses of people in the square. “Beloved brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who has given his life for the flock of God,” he continued. “I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, reach your families, to all people, wherever they may be, to all peoples, to all the earth. … It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally.”
9. Polyglot. Pope Leo speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese, and he reads Latin and German. He gave his first greeting May 8 in Italian but switched to Spanish to greet the faithful of his former Diocese of Chiclayo before giving the “urbi et orbi” blessing in Latin. On May 9, he began his first public homily with English but preached most of it in Italian.
The Diocese of Jackson has launched a third-party reporting system that will enable all diocesan employees, volunteers and parishioners to anonymously (or named if preferred) make reports. Examples of this activity include fraud, misconduct, safety violations, harassment or substance abuse occurring at a Catholic parish, Catholic school or at the diocesan level. The system is operated by Lighthouse Services.
To make a report visit www.lighthouse-services.com/jacksondiocese or call 888-830-0004 (English) or 800-216-1288 (Spanish).
The Association of Priests of the Dioceses of Jackson and Biloxi provide a small pension to our retired priests. As you consider your estate plans, please remember these faithful servants by making a donation or leaving a bequest to the Association of Priests. Our parish priests dedicate their lives to caring for us, their flocks. Let us now care for them in their retirement. Donations can be made payable to the Association of Priests and can be mailed to: Diocese of Jackson, P.O. Box 22723, Jackson, MS 39225-2723
10. Successor of Peter. On his first full day as pope May 9, Pope Leo preached before the College of Cardinals who elected him, speaking of an exchange between Jesus and St. Peter, the first pope. He called the church “an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world. And this, not so much through the magnificence of her structures or the grandeur of her buildings –like the monuments among which we find ourselves – but rather through the holiness of her members.”
(Maria Wiering is senior writer for OSV News.)
Pope Leo’s motto, coat of arms pay homage to St. Augustine
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Leo XIV’s devotion to St. Augustine, his life and ministry as a member of the Augustinian order and his focus on the church unity are reflected in his episcopal motto and coat of arms.
When he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica shortly after his election May 8, he introduced himself as “an Augustinian, a son of St. Augustine.”
And he explained that the cardinals who elected him “have chosen me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk together with you as a Church, united, ever pursuing peace and justice, ever seeking to act as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ, in order to proclaim the Gospel without fear, to be missionaries.”
His episcopal motto is, “In Illo uno unum,” or literally “In the One, we are one.”
Vatican News explained that the phrase is taken from St. Augustine’s “Exposition on Psalm 127,” where he explains that “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.”
As a cardinal, he told Vatican News in 2023, “As can be seen from my episcopal motto, unity and communion are truly part of the charism of the Order of St. Augustine, and also of my way of acting and thinking.”
“I believe it is very important to promote communion in the church, and we know well that communion, participation and mission are the three keywords of the Synod” of Bishops on synodality, he said. “So, as an Augustinian, for me promoting unity and communion is fundamental.”
His shield, now topped by a miter instead of the red galero hat on the shield of cardinals, is divided diagonally into two. The upper half features a blue background with a white lily or fleur-de-lis, symbolizing the Virgin Mary, but also his French heritage.
The lower half of the shield has a light background and displays an image common to the religious orders named after and inspired by St. Augustine: a closed book with a heart pierced by an arrow.
Vatican News said, “This is a direct reference to the conversion experience of St. Augustine himself, who described his personal encounter with God’s word using the phrase: ‘Vulnerasti cor meum verbo tuo’ – ‘You have pierced my heart with your Word.’”
Pope Leo XIV’s coat of arms with his episcopal motto, “In Illo uno unum,” literally “In the One (Christ), we are one,” is seen in an image published by the Vatican Secretariat of State May 10, 2025. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Heart of a Deacon: A life of service and growth
GUEST COLUMN
BY DEACON TED SCHRECK
As I look back over the years since my ordination to the permanent diaconate in June 2016, I recall so many wonderful memories and some di cult times as well. Actually, my journey began years earlier. My baptism was when I was 10 days old back in December 1969; however, when I think about what led more immediately to my call, I think of the time from 2011 when my older brother Mike was ordained as a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. I watched my brother and his family for the years of his formation and was blessed to be present for his ordination. To say the least, this made a lasting impression on me.
In 2009-2010, I began earnestly considering my own call to consider making an application for the permanent diaconate formation program. At that time, we in the Diocese of Jackson had not had any formation classes for permanent deacons in a very long time. However, while I was watching my brother’s call coming to fruition at his own ordination, I was being encouraged to consider my own call especially among my brother deacons serving in the Diocese of Memphis where I was working both at Memphis Catholic High School and Middle School and at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in East Memphis.
SOUTHAVEN – Deacon Ted Schreck baptizes a new child into the faith as a part of his duties as a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Jackson. (Photo courtesy of Deacon Ted Schreck)
So, the discernment process for me continued in earnest. I wanted to know for myself that I was not seeking some title or specific a rmation for my service in the church. When we finally had an information session at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Batesville, Mississippi, I welcomed the words from the presenters that the call was “not about you,” but about answering God’s call for his church and his people. This realization that my call to consider the permanent diaconate was not about me, but about seeking to do God’s will in my community was what I needed.
I learned a lot about myself as I reflected on my spiritual autobiography and began to share with friends and long-time neighbors from years previous that I was seriously considering this call to become a permanent deacon. The amazing thing that I heard from these friends and family members was “It’s about time ... I’ve seen the servant in you for years.” Talk about God showing others our gifts and we ourselves not recognizing those gifts.
To fast forward, I loved (for the most part) my years of formation with my cohort from the Diocese of Jackson and the men (and their wives) from the Diocese of Memphis. I truly experienced being stretched and formed. I recognized strengths within me and some weaknesses as well. I have to say that while the information and knowledge gained was very important, I grew the most I believe through walking with my brothers through the formation process. We each experienced joys and sorrows over that 5-year period. But we stood together, and we laughed and we cried together.
One funny story that we like to look back on from time to time is when I parked my vehicle at St. James in Corinth to ride along with my brothers from St. Joseph in Starkville up to a retreat at St. Meinrad in Indiana. You may know that Corinth (in the New Testament – the home of the Corinthians) is in modern day Turkey. Well, on that day as I parked my vehicle at St. James in Corinth, I met some notso-friendly wild “turkeys” that the priest at that time was raising on the church property.
Finally, after five years of formation, I and my
brother deacons arrived at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson for our ordination. I remember so many di erent feelings and joys on that day. The very next day as I returned to Christ the King parish in Southaven for the first Mass after our ordination, I had the opportunity to preach the homily for the first time. Understandably, I wanted to include thanks to my family and my fellow parishioners who had walked along this journey with me. Several parishioners asked me not to make them cry every time I preached like they did that day as I remembered my mother who had passed away many years prior.
So, what have these last almost nine years brought about in my life as a husband, brother, dad, grandfather and deacon? I have celebrated over 75 baptisms, 18 weddings, 4 presentations, 29 funerals, and many opportunities to walk alongside families from very di erent cultures. And, I have grown with each individual, couple and family I have encountered.
This growth has primarily come through my ability and desire to listen and to connect with others. Each day, I pray that God gives me the strength and the courage to be a better husband, a better father/grandfather/ brother, a better friend and a better deacon. And he keeps on answering that prayer beyond my wildest expectations. I’ve certainly made my share of mistakes, but I am truly blessed to get to listen to and connect with more and more people in the
six parish communities which I serve and in other parish communities when I have been invited to o er Advent or Lenten reflections. In my case, I was working in a Catholic school throughout my years of formation and then worked at another Catholic elementary school as the director of development even after my ordination. In early 2022, I took a further step outside my comfort zone and joined the parish sta for the six Catholic parishes of Northwest Mississippi which are served by the Priests of the Sacred Heart as the director of evangelization. I say that this was outside my comfort zone as I considered which qualifications I did not possess (or my weaknesses). But I have been beyond blessed as I pursued this work especially in adult faith formation, OCIA, sacramental preparation, and so much more. I believe that any real success that has come through trusting in God’s will and pursuing my strengths (more than focusing on my weaknesses). What’s next? I know that there is so much work to do in helping God’s people draw closer to Him and closer to His church. That’s where my focus is! I just pray that I allow God to use me as he sees fit. My goal is to continue to grow as a Man of God, to be faithful to my family, and to fulfill my baptismal promise. Amen!
(Deacon Ted Schreck is the director of evangelization for the Catholic Parishes of Northwest Mississippi. He can be reached at nwms.evangelization@gmail. com. To learn more about the permanent diaconate visit https://bit.ly/JacksonDiaconate.)
Protection of CHILDREN
The Diocese of Jackson is committed to ensuring that no one being served by the church be (is) at risk of sexual abuse or exploitation by clergy, religious or lay church personnel. The spiritual well-being of all the victims, their families and others in the community is of particular concern to the church. In accordance with our policy, all victims are o ered counseling and pastoral care.
Anyone who has been a victim of abuse or exploitation by clergy, religious or lay church personnel and has not yet reported it is encouraged to do so. Our victim assistance coordinator, Erika Rojas, a licensed social worker, is available to assist in making a report. Please contact her at (601) 326-3736.
For more information about diocesan policies and procedures and to learn what the diocese is doing to create a safe environment for everyone, please visit the diocesan website at www.jacksondiocese.org and click on “Protection of Children.”
To report an allegation of abuse or mishandling of allegations of sexual abuse by a bishop, please visit https://reportbishopabuse.org.
+Joseph R. Kopacz D.D., Ph.D. Bishop of Jackson
A papacy that formed me
KNEADING FAITH
By Fran LaveLLe
I remember the day that Pope Francis was elected. I was still working at St. Joseph in Starkville serving as the campus minister. We had a television in the parish center lounge that the staff had on to watch the live coverage. I remember crying when they announced his name. In the photographs and television coverage that followed, I remember being taken by his eyes and his infectious smile. What I did not know at the time was how much his papacy would influence my ministry.
It is said that whatever is not transformed is transferred. Transferring supports a “that’s the way we have always done it” mentality and leaves no room for new ideas or ways of being. Transformation requires a continuous and intentional evaluation of the welfare of an organization. Pope Francis was intentional to his core. His desire to lead from the center instead of the top allowed him to model what he expected from his clerics. He invited the clergy to smell like the sheep. He chose to stay close to the poor and marginalized and demonstrated simplicity and humility.
I have been known to joke that we were basically the same person, Jesuit educated with a Franciscan spirituality, and we share the same name. But seriously, finding ways to emulate his life has not been lost on me. Out of many there is one major way in which he influenced my ministry and my life. He taught me the value and importance of synodality as a pathway for transformation.
My first experience with synodality was in 2018 when Pope Francis called a synod of bishops on
“Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment.” The papal exhortation, Christus Vivit, the final document summarizing the work of that synod, was published in 2019. It was an invitation to the young church and those of us who accompany them to take a long look at how we are in relationship with God and one another. Pope Francis called on adults who form youth in the church to first exercise the “apostolate of the ear” –that is to be first, a listener. He said, “Attentive and selfless listening is a sign of our respect for others, whatever their ideas or their choices in life,” quoting from Christus Vivit 292.
He was demonstrating how to journey with the young church as they discover God’s deep seeded love for them. “Rather than being too concerned with communicating a great deal of doctrine, let us first try to awaken and consolidate the great experiences that sustain the Christian life. In the words of Romano Guardini (from Christus Vivit 212), “when we experience a great love … everything else becomes part of it.”
Unpacking the wisdom of the Synod for Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment helped prepare me for my role a few years later when Pope Francis called for a universal Synod on Synodality.
The Synod on Synodality was an opportunity for the people of God to pray together and ask of ourselves as individuals and within our church community where we are being called by the Holy Spirit in our journey of faith. It was the Pope’s desire to hear from all demographics, all ages, all people. This reflected his belief that the workings of the church is not a clandestine process that happens behind closed doors. Pope Francis asked church leaders to open wide their arms, ears and their hearts to hear the
Make beauty shine
FROM THE HERMITAGE
By sister aLies therese
Mother Teresa commented, “Everywhere there is suffering, but there is also a great hunger for God and love.” Gotta go for that, and as we welcome the ‘Pope named Bob’ as our shepherd, I suspect the tension between the two will continue to be addressed. One way Pope Francis left us, not long before his passing, was his charge to artists. As we move into this new era, let us not forget how critical beauty is!
At White Night in St Peter’s, Papa Francis told artists, “the responsibility of artists is to make beauty shine.” He included all sorts of artists … writers, dancers, musicians and painters, among many, and he set a bar for happy hearts. There is much suffering, and there is much hunger, and one way these are addressed is through the arts. That Pope Francis charged artists with the ‘responsibility’ of ‘making beauty shine’ is no small assignment. Most countries have a national arts something or other that shares culture and beauty … some nations restrict how they share it. Even the poorest of nations have marvelous works of art that lift the spirits of their families and peoples and share with others the joy of their culture.
Francis suggested that “artists must help humanity not to lose its way … to be witnesses to the revolutionary vision of the beatitudes … not only creating beauty but also ‘revealing the truth and goodness hidden within the folds of history giving voice to the voiceless.’” Over centuries, artists, builders and designers have left behind impressions and monuments, pots and aqueducts, which have stood the test of time. We saw a lot of Rome as the conclave met … buildings, statues, paintings … all telling stories that the artists wanted us to remember. The scriptures were announced, and we
prophetic voice of God’s people.
Since the conclusion of the Synod process, the diocese has been intentional in animating what we heard from our synodal listening. A Pastoral Reimagining process was launched in 2023 whereby every parish in the diocese was given an opportunity to reflect on where they were and articulate a plan to get them where they want to be. Those plans were collated by deanery and a reimagined vision for each deanery was set forth.
To further reflect our understanding of what we heard, a full-time young adult and campus ministry coordinator for the diocese was hired in response to a call for greater leadership for that demographic. Additionally, in response for a call for greater lay formation, the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation is being established to provide lay people with easy access to formation opportunities. The work continues to unfold. The Synod on Synodality was the pebble in still water that continues to create ripples in our diocese and around the world.
There is much to appreciate in his years as our Holy Father. He gave us so much to reflect on … be it how we recovered from the pandemic, faced the sin or racism, addressed poverty, considered care for our common home, or care for those on the periphery. Through it all synodality was at the core of his ministry. In the Jesuit tradition to see, judge and act – Pope Francis created opportunities for dialogue rather than dictates. We are a better church for his leadership. I am eternally grateful for how his vision helped form my own.
(Fran Lavelle is the Director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Jackson.)
were reminded of the functionality of buildings and also the ways they brought exquisite beauty and harmony to the scene.
Francis continued, “We need artists to help us ask questions about time and purpose … are we pilgrims or wanderers? Does our journey have a destination, or are we directionless?” What demanding questions for people with great insight and courage. It takes both for a person to function as an artist … partly because the criticism can be high enough to cancel them out! No, he asks artists to show us the way forward … to move us beyond selfishness to sharing. If you notice, the conductor has his/her back to the applause. The conductor caresses and encourages the musicians and takes care that they make the music beautiful. Her/his responsibility is to share that joy with listeners so that their hearts might light up and their anguish be set free.
“We must learn,” he said, “to discern between the chaff scattered by the wind from what is solid like trees planted by streams of water (Ps1).” The artist leads us in at least two ways … outward toward the universe (into the 6-20 trillion galaxies and their swirls of old and new designs of stars) and/or down deep into our hearts where we are touched to grow and create. Ecclesiastes reminds us that “God has made everything beautiful in its time.” When the writer says ‘everything’, I have to remind myself that everything means just that … difficulties as well as successes, hard times as well as times of ease. Our God, the greatest of artists, has created for us such beauty and wonder that we can never, even in the longest of lifetimes, take it all in. We are grateful as well to those who can draw our attention to it through their creativity, sharing in these gifts of God. And Paul in Ephesians reminds us that we are indeed God’s work of art … and no artist wants his/her art to be trashed or considered less than. Francis would want us to remember that as we learn to treat one another with greater dignity and respect.
I imagine the era of Pope Leo XIV to be one of learning even more how to care for one another and let us thank Pope Francis for his invitation and charge to artists to make beauty shine.
Blessings.
(sister alies therese is a canonical hermit who prays and writes.)
YOUTH
Announcement of Pope Leo XIV at Catholic Schools across the diocese
The election of a new Pope is a momentous event in the Catholic Church, and it reflects the unity and diversity of the global community. It was heartwarming to see students come together to witness this historic moment, share their thoughts, and discuss what it might mean for our faith and the world.
await the announcement of the new pope on Thursday, May 8. Many students of Catholic schools throughout the diocese followed the papal conclave awaiting white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.
MADISON – Students at St. Joseph School eagerly
(Photo by Dr. Dena Kinsey)
COLUMBUS – Middle school students at Annunciation took lunch in classrooms so they could hear the moment that a new pope was announceed to the world. (Photo by Jacque Hince)
(Below) JACKSON – Pre-K students at Sister Thea Bowman School await the announcement of the next pope. (Photo by Christopher Payne)
NATCHEZ – Cathedral School second grader, Jack Ryan jumps up in applause for Pope Leo XIV – the first American pope. (Photo by Brandi Boles)
JACKSON – (Right) St. Richard students applaud at the annoucement of Pope Leo XIV. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
SOUTHAVEN – The level of excitement at the announcement that the newly elected pope was an American was evident in the faces of many students at Sacred Heart School. Left to right, front: Sergio Aurioles, Lucas Delgado and Benjamin Baskin. (Photo by Bridget Martin)
GREENVILLE – Principal Craig Mandolini awaits announcement of the new pope along with St. Joseph students during lunch. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)
MADISON – St. Anthony third graders didn’t want to miss a historic moment while on a field trip to the Petrified Forest, so they viewed the announcement of Pope Leo XIV from their teacher’s cell phone! (Photo by Anne Cowger)
CSA feature: Family Ministry
When Hannah and Mario Villasenor, parishioners at St. erese Catholic Church in Jackson, signed up for an Engaged Encounter weekend before their wedding in October 2021, they never imagined they would one day be a presenting couple.
“We thought someone would call us once we
had been married long enough or had somehow become good enough at marriage,” Hannah laughed. “So, when Debbie Tubertini, from the O ce of Family Ministry, reached out and asked us to present, we were honestly surprised. We did not think she meant us!”
eir rst weekend as a presenting couple was in April 2023. Since then, Hannah and Mario have found joy and purpose in sharing their story with other engaged couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage.
“We remember what it felt like to sit in those chairs, listening to the presenters and thinking, ‘Wow, they really have it all gured out,’” said Mario. “Even though they told us they were not experts, it
sure seemed like they were.”
Now as presenters, Hannah and Mario strive to o er something di erent and authentic. “We want the couples to take what resonates and use it in their own relationships,” Mario said. “ ere’s no such thing as a perfect marriage –just two people choosing every day to love and serve one another the best they can.”
Beyond helping others, the experience has deepened their own relationship. “It’s a chance to pause, re ect on our own marriage, and grow. We leave each retreat reminded of why we said yes in the rst place,” according to Hannah.
Hannah and Mario expressed gratitude to those who support the Catholic Service Appeal, “Your gi s are changing lives,” Mario said. “ ey’re helping couples build strong, faithlled foundations for their future. If you have not yet given, we hope you will consider it. Every gi , no matter the size, makes a di erence.”
Pictured are Hannah and Mario Villasenor, parishioners of St. Therese Church in Jackson. The couple have found joy and purpose in assisting other couples prepare for the sacrament of matrimony through working with the Office of Family Ministry as presenters at Engaged Encounter. Both express gratitude for support given through the Catholic Service Appeal to assist family ministry throughout the diocese. (Photo courtesy of Hannah and Mario Villasenor)
