Pope Leo XVI ‘s papacy began in a time of many wars, growing International division and tension. Adherence to humanitarian and Christian values respecting human dignity, truth, justice, and equality are in decline. In this situation the opening words, spoken from the balcony of St Peters Basilica by Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, were:
“Peace be with you all! Dear brothers and sisters, these are the first words spoken by the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for God’s flock….I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts…. Peace be with you!”
He then continued by repeating words spoken last Easter by his predecessor, the late Pope Francis:
“God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail! All of us are in God’s hands. So, let us move forward, without fear, together, hand in hand with God and with one another other! We are followers of Christ. Christ goes before us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge that can lead us to God and his love. Help us, one and all, to build bridges through dialogue and encounter, joining together as one people, always at peace.”
Pope Leo XIV also emphasised that the Church needs to be constantly moving forward, “a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close, above all, to those who are suffering.”
These words of Pope Leo XVI are guidance for us all. They call us to “move forward without fear” – “to build bridges”– to be people who bring peace and who work for peace – “in your families, among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world”.
This inaugural message from St Peter’s Square reflects this urgent need of our time. It is a call to us, and to all believers, to be counter-witnesses to the violence, greed, lack of truth and self-centeredness we see around us. Let peace begin with us. Let the choices we make each day be choices for truth, for tolerance, for compassion – all the things that build peace. Let our lives and actions show love and care for others and for God’s creation. Peace is the fruit of loving one another, of doing God’s will in our lives. Peace is at the core of the Christ’s message and at the heart of Christian mission.
We are reminded each time we go to Mass that we are entrusted with this mission, when, at the end of the liturgy, we are called to give Christian example and witness in our homes, communities or wherever we are. Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.
Holy Spirit, once again You have spoken.
Through the voices of human beings
You have chosen Pope Leo XIV to guide us.
We pray that You will guide him.
Help him in his service to You, the Church, and the world.
Help him offer a beacon of love
To those searching for hope
Amidst the chaos of our changing planet.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
(Source: Laudato Si Movement)
This article was first published in the African Missionary Magazine, No. 46, Autumn – Winter 2025