The election of Pope Leo XIV dominated world news this past week. It is the first time for a U.S.-born pope and more than a century since a Pope has chosen the name Leo. The choice of a name signals a particular bias for the incoming Pontiff. Leo I came to be known as Leo the Great, who convinced Attila the Hun to spare the Roman Empire from destruction in the 5th century.
A spokesperson for the Vatican emphasized that Cardinal Robert Prevost’s choice of Leo “is a clear reference to the modern social doctrine of the Church, which began with Rerum Novarum,” or the “Rights and Duties of Capital and Labor,” written by his predecessor, Leo XIII, in the 19th century. This focus on the dignity of work and the dignity of the worker laid the foundation for the Catholic Church’s social teaching.
Pope Leo XIII encouraged the Church to become a voice for the poor and the working class, advocating for a just society during a time when labor was being exploited as fuel for the Industrial Revolution. Pope Leo XIV faces similar challenges as he attempts to fill the shoes of his predecessor, Pope Francis, at a time, in the U.S., when the economy is cratering and mass deportations are taking place without due process.
The new Pope quoted Jesus for his first words to the world, “Peace be with you.” These were the first words Jesus said to His followers after His resurrection.
In our reading from our companion book for this week, we learn more about Benji. We’ve learned bits and pieces as he narrates the story of their days on the lifeboat through pen and paper. Benji never met his father, whom his mother met while attending a professional golf tournament in Scotland when she was 18.
Benjamin was raised by his mother. The two moved from Ireland to Boston, hoping to reconnect with Benji’s father. But it didn’t go as his mother hoped.
Benji didn’t know his father’s name. He only knew that his father was wealthy. His mother claimed he cared about Benji, but he knew that wasn’t true. Her rejection was also his, and the damage would last a lifetime. He was unsure of who he was, but certain of the labels that seemed to fit him well. His identity was based on people who failed him.
Like many other single parents, Claire did her best to be both a mother and a father for Benji. But when she was severely injured at work, she needed Benji to take care of her.
After his mother’s death, Benji felt lost. His mother’s advice rang in his ears. “Find one person you can trust in your life,” she told Benji multiple times. His mother had been that one person for Benji, and now she was gone, with no one else for Benji to share the love that he carried around like a weight he couldn’t put down.
Until he met Annabelle, she was the person Benjamin Kierney would share everything with for the rest of his life.
The stranger seemed to know that Benji was burdened with struggles that he needed to share. “I don’t need company,” Benji said to the stranger. “I’m just thinking about things.” “Your fate,” the stranger asked, “Perhaps I can help.”
Benji responded, laughing, “Why? If I were God, I would have given up on me long ago.” “But you are not,” the stranger replied, “and I never will.”
Jesus knew who He was, who He is, and who He will be. His identity is complete. He is more than an image, a reflection of God. Jesus is God in the flesh.
Whoever has seen me has seen God.
John 14:6-11
When Jesus had supper with His followers on the evening of His arrest, He wanted to assure them of their importance to God. Jesus also explained that since they know Him, they know God. “Whoever has seen me has seen God,” He said.
You also matter a great deal to God. And if you know Jesus Christ, you also know God. But it is not too late if you do not yet know Jesus. He has not given up on you and never will.
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Pastor Tommy
Our series was inspired by Mitch Albom. The Stranger in the Lifeboat. New York: HarperCollins, 2021.
Christian Edwards, “What’s in a name? The history of the papal name Leo.” © CNN, May 8, 2025. Link.