I can’t tell you how many times in the last four days I’ve heard someone start a sentence with those—or similar—words.

It all began last Thursday. I turned the TV on around noon, shortly after white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney indicated that a new pope had been elected. But as yet, no one knew who he was—and no one would, until he came out onto the Vatican balcony for the first time.

Although I had other things to do, I stood there, mesmerized, waiting along with the rest of the world to see who the new pontiff would be. In the meantime, I enjoyed seeing the excitement and anticipation on the faces of the thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, waiting to see the new pope. It was heartwarming and exhilarating to see so many people from all over the world—people of all ages, and of many different cultures and religious beliefs—gathered together. Many cheered and waved the flags of their countries when they saw the cameras pointed at them. It made me think of the opening ceremonies of the Olympics—only better.

I hadn’t been following the speculation and predictions too closely, but I knew that many church officials, as well as oddsmakers and religion reporters, were confident it would be an Italian elected as the next pope. Pretty much everyone was shocked—but in a good way—when the man who emerged from the Vatican as Pope Leo XIV was a native of Chicago, and the first North American pope. Almost immediately, “I never thought that in my lifetime I’d see a pope from the United States!” became a common opening remark.

With the exception of people who make their living insulting people they don’t agree with, I’ve heard nothing but praise and appreciation for our new pope. Much of what I’ve already learned about him is that he has a reputation as a bridge-builder, and is respected and beloved by people on both sides of many different issues. In the few days since he became Pope Leo XIV, he seems to have generated a new spirit of optimism and hope for the future—in the Catholic Church, and throughout the world.

My hope and prayer is that he actually will bridge the religious, political, and cultural divides that in recent years have grown deeper and wider than ever before. I truly believe he can.

And if he does, it will be something I never in my life expected to see.

May 12, 2025
©Betty Liedtke, 2025

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