This past September Benedictine women from around the globe gathered for a symposium sponsored by the CIB (Communio Internationalis Benedictinarum) in Rome. During our time together, we experienced the privilege of a private audience with Pope Leo. It was an awesome moment. One in which I had to pinch myself to see if this is really happening! Pope Leo spoke briefly and gently to us. This was followed by each attendee having the opportunity to shake his hand, speak to him individually, all the while photos are taken.
Each sister could speak briefly. What I desired to say would have taken longer than the allotted time. I wanted to thank him for his Christ like manner in speaking on behalf of the many immigrants whose voices are silenced, for his clear messages on the dignity and respect that needs to be shown to all persons and that he models so clearly how Catholic social justice principles ought to be lived without getting caught in the web of politics.
I’m not exactly sure of what I did say, but I thanked him for his “yes” to being the Pope and all the good he is doing for the Church, the world, and especially the dispossessed and that I pray for him every day. Now, included in my daily prayer for him is that he continues to experience good recovery from his surgery and remains healthy.
What would you want to say to Pope Leo?
