FAITH MATTERS
New Pope could be the Bridge Builder We Need
In his first address, Pope Leo XIV offered the peace of the Lord to the world, writes Bishop Gerard Bergie.
May 17, 2025
By Bishop Gerard Bergie
Contributing Columnist
“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus Papem” (I announce to you a great joy. We have a pope). On May 8, these words were announced to the world. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost then walked out onto the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica as Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American-born pope.
Prior to his election, Pope Leo was not among the list of those considered strong contenders to be the next pope. Despite this, it did not take the cardinals a great deal of time to realize that this man had the necessary qualities to be a worthy successor to St. Peter.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asks his disciples a simple question, “who do you say that I am?” It is Peter who states, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus responds with these now famous words, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:15-18). Simon becomes Peter, the rock who Jesus sees as someone who is foundational to the structure of his Church.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states the following about this encounter between Jesus and Peter, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. On the rock of this faith confessed by St. Peter, Christ built his Church.” (CCC 424)
As the successor of St. Peter, Pope Leo shares in the unique mission given to him by Jesus. He is to be first among the apostles and a leader who unifies and strengthens belief in Jesus Christ who is the “Son of the living God.” This role of leadership, however, is not limited to the Catholic Church.
The first words offered by Pope Leo from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica are part of his ‘Urbe et Orbi Address’ (to the city and to the world). He began with this simple statement: “peace be with you.” He offered the peace of the Lord to the entire world.
Pope Leo also speaks to the world as a leader. At the beginning of his pontificate, he wanted it to be known that he wants to be an instrument of peace in the world.
One of the ancient titles given to the pope is Pontifex Maximus. This Latin phrase simply means “greatest bridge-builder.” When we look at the world today, we need leaders who remove barriers and build bridges. This helps to create greater peace in our world. This peace is rooted in human dignity.
In a recent meeting with the cardinals, Pope Leo shared the reason he chose the name Leo XIV. He wanted to follow in the tradition of Pope Leo XIII who lived in the last quarter of the 19th century.
At that time, society was experiencing a profound change due to the industrial revolution. Many were suffering from this, especially workers in factories. There was little protection for them. The papal encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891) spoke eloquently about the rights and duties of business and labour and the importance of respecting human dignity.
Pope Leo XIV observed that today we are experiencing another industrial revolution especially with developments in artificial intelligence. This poses new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice and labour.
In a world where many are facing growing anxiety and fear, the voice of the successor of St Peter can offer encouragement and hope.
Given this reality, I am most grateful for those simple words heard a few days ago, Habemus Papem.