Dear Catholic International University Community,
Habemus Papam!
On Easter Monday, our entrance into the Paschal season was unexpectedly marked by Pope Francis’ departure from this earthly life. It was a strange, yet fitting way to enter into the Paschal mystery which always challenges our human understanding of life and death. Yesterday, we experienced a different aspect of that Paschal mystery as we united ourselves to the whole Body of Christ in greeting and praying for our new Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV!
Our new Pontiff pointed to this connection to the Paschal season by choosing to open his Urbi et Orbi with the first words spoken by the Risen Christ: “Peace be with you all! Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to all the earth.” These words reveal not only a heart that is attuned to the paschal mystery (which we are experiencing with particular intensity this year!), but also a heart full of a joyful missionary zeal. In truth this is no great surprise, since Pope Leo XIV began his journey of faith in the United States, but left his country of origin to work in Peru, eventually becoming Bishop of Chiclayo. It is a place close to his heart, as evidenced by his words yesterday.
At Catholic International University, we hope to be of service to the Holy Father by sharing the joy from the Truth, as we strive to “communicate the mind and heart of the Church” to the whole world. As a fully online university, faithful to the magisterial teaching of the church, we are well-positioned to carry out the urgent work of evangelization, to reach all people, wherever they are with the unique tools at our disposal.
Before giving his first blessing, Pope Leo XIV invoked the intercession of Our Lady of Pompeii. It seems fitting then, to close this letter with words from the supplica to Our Lady of Pompeii, whose feast was yesterday. Please join me in offering this prayer for the Holy Father:
Bless, O Mary, at this moment, our Holy Father. To the ancient splendours of your Crown, to the triumphs of your Rosary, whence You are called Queen of Victories, add also this, O Mother: grant the victory of the Faith and give Peace to human Society.
Sincerely in Christ,
