By Rev. Racquel Ray, Associate Minister of Congregational Life
I just heard the news. Our Catholic Church cousins have elected a new Pope. According to NPR news, U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected pope, the first time an American has led the Roman Catholic Church. Provost, 69, chose the name Pope Leo XIV.
It is with celebration that the church welcomes another Spiritual leader. And, American Catholics are feeling a sense of pride and gratitude as well as a renewed sense of call and commitment to their faith.
As a faith leader, I am sending prayers of fortitude, wisdom, and discernment for Pope Leo XIV. And I celebrate with Americans around the globe in acknowledging what an honor, privilege, and responsibility this moment holds. Living in Rhode Island, graduating from Providence College, and serving a congregation with several previously Catholic members, I join with global Catholic cousins and understand what a historic moment this is.
No matter your opinions on church denominations and patriarchal traditions, I think we can all acknowledge that the Catholic Church has done a superb job of holding a standard for 2000 years. It is that standard, held by the Catholic Church, from which all Protestant denominations deviate in degrees. Their standard enables our protest – from 1517 through this very day.
My personal theology holds a great deal of distance between Catholic Church hierarchy and patriarchy. However, I can honor their historic rhetoric and theological patristics and matristics. As the Catholic Church embraces their new leader, may we remember and honor our own church lineage trajectory which moved away from the patriarchal hierarchy. And may we share our prayers for all faith leaders as the Spirit moves among us all. Amen.