Possibly, due to the release of Conclave at the cinema, many of my friends have been glued to the events in Rome. The Anglican Church has so much to learn from our Catholic Friends – in 17 days there is a new Pope – Robert Francis Prevost – Leo XIV. Our Archbishop resigned 12th November and we only now know the names of the people who will consider the nominations!
When the new Pope was announced everyone waited with baited breath to learn of the new name that had been chosen. For more than 500 years, Popes used their own names. Then they would simplify their own names or choose a symbolic one or a name which referred to previous pontiffs. Pope Francis most closely associated with St Francis and we saw this through his care for creation and in all matters ecological.
Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago but has a Peruvian passport as he has spent most of his life working with the poor and marginalised as a missionary in Peru. He belongs to an Augustinian order and so at St Marys we already feel a bond with him – Norton Priory, which was an Augustinian priory , owned the land at Great Budworth and received our tithes.
Names are so important. Last week in church we had a delightful baby, called Atticus. Some of you will have read “To kill a mockingbird” or at least seen the film with Gregory Peck. Some of you will have a family name or you may have been named after a Saint. I don`t know how often you have been asked about your name, but if there is a story about it – I would love to know.
Why has Robert Francis Prevost chosen the name Leo? – we do not know as yet.
In times of uncertainty, God raises up leaders. When the Church faces storms—whether doctrinal confusion, external threats, or moral decline—God does not leave His people without shepherds.
The election of Leo I as Pope in the 5th century was such a moment. He led the church between 440 and 461AD. Leo became Pope during a time of chaos. The Roman Empire was falling apart. Heresies were threatening the Church’s unity. Barbarian tribes were advancing on Rome. Fear was everywhere. But Leo stepped into the role not with fear, but with faith. We too live in uncertain times. The Church and the world are often confused, divided, and afraid. But God is still calling men and women to stand firm in truth and lead with courage. Whether in public or private life, we are each called to rise with conviction.
Leo was not only a theologian—he was a pastor. When Attila the Hun threatened to destroy Rome, Leo famously met him and persuaded him to turn back. When the Vandals later sacked the city, Leo protected civilians and negotiated for mercy.
Leo stood between the people and danger and he was a man of peace He also believed every believer had a sacred calling—to reflect Christ in their lives.
Each of us are called. Called to live with integrity. Called to love sacrificially. Called to reflect the glory of God. Don’t wait for a title to live out your purpose. You may not wear a mitre or write a theological tome, but the same Spirit that empowered Leo empowers you. In your home, in your workplace, in your relationships, you have been chosen to stand firm in Christ
To leave you with Pope Leo`s words
“Peace be with you all”.
These are the 1st words spoken by the risen Christ It is the peace of the risen Christ. A peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering A peace that comes from God, the God who loves us all unconditionally 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. “ Amen
With love, prayers and blessings
Christina