I never thought we would have an American pope, so I had no expectations for how that might be different for me, as an American. I had never considered what it would be like to hear a pope talk in English with an American accent.
When I saw a video of Pope Leo XIV speaking in English at the beginning of his homily at his first Mass as pope, however, I was struck by the power of hearing him speak. I felt such a connection to him. It was as if he was speaking directly to me.
It’s not that I had any trouble connecting with Pope Francis or Pope Benedict or Pope John Paul II when they spoke in other languages. I happily listened to them speak in any language, which was sometimes English. I read English translations of their writings and homilies. I followed along on closed captions of videos of them speaking. Regardless of what language they spoke, I have always followed their words with great interest.
But when I heard Pope Leo, I realized there was something special about hearing those words in English, especially an English with a familiar accent. Language is so powerful. And we all long for connection and commonality with others. In this moment, as we grieve the loss of a beloved pope and soak up the opportunity to get to know our new Holy Father, I am grateful to have these moments when I hear Pope Leo’s voice—and understand him immediately.
My Sheep Hear My Voice
In relationships—especially new ones—we all have some basic desires. We seek to be understood—and to understand. Understanding some of Pope Leo’s messages so easily seems like a bonus as we get to know our new pope.
“My sheep hear my voice,” Jesus said in Sunday’s Gospel from the Book of John. “I know them, and they follow me.”
As sheep, we long to hear our shepherd’s voice. We may think we want to do our own thing and find our own path, but we also want to know we are cared for and seen and valued.
We listen for Jesus’ voice here on earth. We try to hear him speaking directly to us through prayer and sometimes indirectly through the people we encounter. We also listen for our earthly shepherd, Pope Leo, as we look for guidance, long for light in the darkness, and hope for direction that brings clarity and peace. There is something beautiful about hearing his voice, recognizing his words, and feeling he is speaking to us.
A New Shepherd
Pope Leo may not know his flock fully yet, but I imagine he is keenly aware of his role as shepherd to his sheep around the world. As we are trying to learn more about him and who he is as a spiritual leader and successor of St. Peter, I assume he is trying to learn more about us too—our needs, our strengths, and our hopes as a church.
I can’t speak for my fellow sheep, but I can’t wait to hear more of what he has to say.
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