A Pilgrim's Journey: Successor of St. Peter

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Successor of St. Peter

On this day, 18 May 2025, His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV formally began his Petrine ministry on what is also the 105th birthday of Pope St. John Paul II.

Pictured here is the young Pope Leo as a newly-ordained deacon meeting the saint who would be his predecessor on the Chair of St. Peter.

Meeting Pope St. John Paul II

In 1983 I was a newly-ordained priest. In November of that year, it was my privilege to be in Rome to take part in developing The Book of Divine Worship. During that time an invitation was extended to celebrate Mass with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in his private chapel. After we had said Mass, and in those few moments I had with the Holy Father, he told me that he remembered considering the request for my ordination, and he described how he came to an affirmative decision. For me, our brief conversation was an experience which will be treasured forever. At the conclusion of our time together, I asked him if I could take his blessing back to the people of my parish. His very simple words remain precious to me: "With all my heart, I bless you and your people." He then embraced me, and I knew that I was forever "home in my Father's house."