Pope Leo’s Election and Early Days – Video

In this 9 minute video, CFN Live host Fr. Gerard talks to Dr. Italy about the election of Pope Leo XIV and his experience of being in St. Peter’s Square the day the new pontiff was elected. Dr. Italy discusses the book he co-authored on Pope Leo’s early days, When the White Smoke Clears, published by Ascension Press, and highlights of the new pope’s leadership thus far.

Role of the Pope

Dr. Italy’s chapter in When the White Smoke Clears (“Father, Fisherman & Shepherd”) discusses the Petrine office and the role of the Holy Father.  The Church’s essential call is to holiness.  We are called, right now, to grow ever more in holiness and likeness to Christ.  And the pope’s title “Your Holiness” points to his main role as the shepherd who walks and guides the faithful down that path.

Highlights of Pope Leo’s Early Days

The title Pontiff comes from the Latin word “pontifex,” which means bridge builder.  The Pope is a bridge builder between heaven and earth, and Dr. Italy shares how Pope Leo XIV has exhibited in these early days of his pontificate the characteristics of a bridge builder and peacemaker.

For more on Pope Leo XIV’s election, check out Dr. Italy’s podcast, HERE.

For a short bio of Pope Leo and links to some of his early homilies, visit our Pope Leo XIV page:  https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/author/pope-leo-xiv/