Yesterday, the Catholic Church received a new leader, Pope Leo XIV. In the period between Pope Francis’s death and the end of the conclave, those of us at the Partnership were inspired in our prayer by leaders closer to home: the eighth graders at Metro Catholic.
Led by Sr. Patti Gentile, SND, the Metro eighth graders crafted intercessory prayers inspired by the life of Pope Francis. Even as we welcome Pope Leo, we invite you to join our own students in prayer inspired by his predecessor.
- Pope Francis, you weren’t worried about who someone was; all you did was love. By your example, help us to move past our thoughts and love someone who seems unloveable.
- Pope Francis, you always wanted to be equal with others around you and help those in need. By your example, help us to be equal with our peers and to help those in need.
- Pope Francis, you were someone who didn’t let your role as a pope make you someone who was unapproachable. By your example, you taught us that no matter who we make out to be, we can maintain a simple life and dedicate ourselves to help those who cannot help themselves.
- Pope Francis, you kissed prisoners’ feet and encouraged a girl with a skin disease to be brave and sing to help her deal with bullies. By your example and your care and love, you help us to be better.
- Pope Francis, you were humble and tried to relate to the average person, never indulging in too much luxury. By your example, we can learn to help and never get too complacent for what we have and who we are.
- Pope Francis, you were known as the People’s Pope. By your example, help us to care for other people and not just ourselves.
- Pope Francis, you thought of yourself as a regular human and knew not to judge. By your example, help us to say, as you did, “Who am I to judge?”
- Pope Francis, you always had a great sense of humor. By your example, please help us to know it’s okay to not always be serious and make situations lighter.
Aleena Grant, an eighth grader at Metro Catholic, also reflected on her hopes for the new pope—even before the conclave began. We hope her aspirations for moral leadership in the world inspire you and give you hope in our young people.
If I could write to the new pope, I would say…
Lead by actions, not just by words. The world needs to build trust with you, and a great way to do that is not by telling people what to do, but by showing it.
Bring attention to political problems like war, killings, mass displacement, and governments being taken over by extremist groups, so that there can be prayers coming from all over for peace.
Work on bringing the entire Body of Christ together more, whether Catholic or not. The disciples in the Bible show us that being a believer is easier together, rather than alone.
Finally, remind believers to remain faithful, even in uncertain times. For the past few years, uncertainty has spread all around the world, whether it be about political issues or something more personal like money problems. Remind us not to fear, and to keep placing our trust in the Lord.
Amen!
