"I announce to you a great joy! We have a new Pope!"

Annutio vobis Gaudium magnum! Habemus Papem!”                                                             “I announce to you a great joy! We have a Pope!”  With these words the world was first introduced to our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Our pope’s first homily today was very good indeed. It reminded me of a blend between John Paul II and Benedict XVI. I love its pure Christocentrism, its clear message without ambiguity or vagueness..
  We have had 267 popes, give or take a few historical questions. Some have been great saints, some have been horrible scoundrels, most have been average (as are most people).
  Our Catholic faith, however, is not built on popes. The 1st Pope, Peter was given the task of confirming the faith of the brethren. Not reinterpreting it, not changing it to suit the times, not leaning one direction or another. Confirming the faith of the brethren - helping us all to see Christ more. To trust Christ more. To love Christ more.
  Do I want a pope who is a saint and not a pope who is a scoundrel? Yes; of course.
  But, in the end (and the beginning, and the middle, and all the hard to reach corners) it’s all about Jesus Christ. We shouldn’t fixate so much on the pope that you lose sight of Jesus.
  Jesus gave us the faith. Jesus gave us the Church to teach that faith. Jesus gave us Peter to confirm that faith. Popes will come and go. Some will do their job well, others poorly. The old sayings are true: “The Candidate who enters Conclave a Pope, leaves as a Cardinal”, A fat Pope is followed by a thin Pope”. If Pope Leo XIV helps us to the Faith, hurrah! If not, boo. If he makes it more difficult for us to do that, shame on him, but we still have to do what we have to do . Pray for him, but keep your eyes on Jesus.
  “O God, the Pastor and ruler of all the faithful, look down in mercy on thy servant Leo, whom thou hast chosen to be pastor and ruler of thy Church: grant him, we beseech thee, to be in word and conversation a wholesome example to the people committed to his charge; that he with them may attain everlasting life. Through Christ Our Lord.              Amen.          ​
Faithfully, Your Friend and Pastor,
Fr. Christopher C. Stainbrook, KHS