In the Vineyard: May 14, 2025: Volume 25, Issue 4
News from National
Image courtesy of Vatican Media
Voice of the Faithful offers its prayers and support to the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV.
Since its inception in 2002, a key point of VOTF’s mission is to support priests of integrity, and we are pleased to do so on behalf of our new Holy Father.
Reading the translation of Pope Leo’s first remarks, his message of peace, unity and hope, built upon the foundations of faith love and the ongoing mission of the Church was clear. His reputation as a leader who brings people together was apparent to all of us.
We were pleased to hear Pope Leo state his support for the synodal process begun under Francis’ papacy. VOTF has found the synodal process reminiscent of Pope John XXIII’s Vatican II call to “open a window” and bring fresh air to the Church.
Much has been said about the unexpected call of an American to Peter’s chair. We are indeed pleased to have a US native in the Vatican. At the same time, it is important to note that much of Leo’s early ministry took place in Peru. The Global South is, of course, the fastest growing region of the worldwide Church.
Once again our Pope is a pastor and missionary.
VOTF Vice President Svea Fraser reports that at the moment of the white smoke’s appearance, she had been on a teleconference call with members of the group Discerning Deacons. Discerning Deacons is a friend of VOTF seeking the return of the diaconate to women. Fraser was a part of the Discerning Deacons pilgrimage to Rome during the 2024 Bishop’s Synod; many of the members of that group met with then Cardinal Robert F. Prevost. Fraser notes that the delegates were warmly received by Prevost, and expressed their personal support for him.
VOTF offers its prayers and support for Pope Leo!
Learn More About Pope Leo
Read what Brad Pritts, VOTF’s President said about Pope Leo in an interview with WGBH, here.
Leaders from Discerning Deacons are also hopeful after the historic election of Pope Leo XIV and say it signals a Church ever more open to the gifts of all who serve. Read their statement here.
Pope Leo’s stance on key issues, from climate change to LGBTQ+ rights to U.S. politics to the role of women in the Church. Click here to read the article in NPR.
The BBC interviewed Pope Leo in 2023. Watch it here.
The Vatican News shared the biography of Pope Leo. Read it here.
National Catholic Reporter reports on the feelings of Catholics throughout the US. Read more here.
Image Courtesy of Discerning Deacons: Ellie Hidalgo, Cardinal Robert Prevost now Pope Leo XVI, Anna Robertson and Yolanda Brown
New Educational Opportunities
Join the Maryknoll Sisters Center for One Earth Community in taking action for our planet. They offer accessible virtual programs and share vital resources, integrating faith and science for transformative change.
Their Mission: To collaborate for justice and the well-being of all life on Earth, driven by a growing awareness and belief in positive change. Click here to learn more about their offerings, which start at the end of May.
Check out Boston College Church in the 21st Century page, Women Religious. The page a variety of information, including a conversation with Sr Helen Prejean, talking about her life’s work ministering to offenders and their families, and explores more broadly ways that the Catholic Church does and can reach out to the marginalized in our society. Katarina Schuth, O.S.F. who discusses the current state and potential future of the seminary and Margaret Eletta Guider, O.S.F who discussed the role of women religious in the past, present and future.
Pope Leo’s First Sunday Message
On Sunday, May 11 Pope Leo delivered his first appearance as the successor of Peter from the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Greetings to Rome and to the world! Peace be with you all!
Dear brothers and sisters, these are the first words spoken by the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for God’s flock. I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world. Peace be with you!
Listen and watch here.
Comments?
Please send them to Siobhan Carroll, Vineyard Editor, at Vineyard@votf.org. Unless otherwise indicated, I will assume comments can be published as Letters to the Editor.
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