A Pope for the USA

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A Pope from the USA

It took me several days to get beyond my amazement that our new pope comes from the United States.  As I learned more about Pope Leo XIV, I found some interesting parallels with my own background:

We both came from the suburbs of Chicago.

We both attended Catholic schools.

We both have two older brothers.

The young Robert Prevost used to conduct a “play Mass” for his family and friends.  My brother Thomas did likewise (he lived to the age of 8).

As I write these things, I see how our backgrounds form us:

There were plenty of practicing Catholics in Chicago of the 1950’s.  I grew up in a Catholic culture.

At home and in school, I learned and practiced the Catholic faith.

Growing up with several siblings helped me to become more “other-oriented.”

Background isn’t everything.  Robert Prevost received his call at a young age and pursued it enthusiastically.  I stumbled through life for a long time.

A Pope for the USA

Everyone seems to have expectations for the new pope.  I have one, too.  I hope that Pope Leo can help the USA. 

In economic terms, our country is “super-developed.”  Although many are in serious need, many live very well. 

In other ways, we live in a needy country.  I like to keep my writings brief, so I will simply say that if one has God, one has everything.  Whoever doesn’t have God has nothing.  Our society is suffering many evils because so many people don’t know God.

If our nation can live “under God”, our worst problems will go away.  I am not thinking about laws or programs.  I look forward to a major miracle. 

I don’t just believe in miracles – I have seen some, like the sudden end of the Marxist domination of Russia and Eastern Europe.  Anyone who doubts that this was an act of God should consider that this upheaval was largely non-violent.   

Let Us Pray for Our Pope and for Our Country

We shouldn’t be afraid when God acts.  Only God can transform a society without damaging what is good. 

God works through the popes.  Pope St. John XXIII helped resolve the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1963, and Pope St. John Paul II helped many countries to shake off the nightmare of Atheistic Communism.

God has great plans for all of us.  Let us not be afraid of His merciful love! 

The First American Pope?

The name “America” has two meanings.  Both are in common use.

“America” can refer to the entire Western Hemisphere: North America, Central America, and South America.  This region is sometimes called “The Americas.”

The term “America” can also mean The United States of America. 

So, Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the USA and the second pope from the Americas!  

#StJohnBoscoNews