Several people have asked my opinion on the current Pope Leo XIV. My answer is very simple: Basically, he follows the Gospel, the Second Vatican Council, Saint Augustine, and the previous popes, but he has his own style, as is obvious and normal. Francis, as a descendant of Italians, was very spontaneous and primitive in his words; Leo is more measured and formal, a child of another culture; however, he did not change the direction the Church has been following. Just as Francis’ style was very different from Benedict XVI, and Benedict XVI from John Paul II, and the same with the previous ones, we should not expect the popes to be identical; that would be a poverty and a limitation. The apostles differ from one another, just as Jesus and John the Baptist do, but all are fighting for the Kingdom of God. In short, as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are different, but united by love, so are the successors of Peter.

When I arrived as bishop in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, many wanted me to be identical to my predecessor, and many others, also Indigenous, wanted me to be the exact opposite. My predecessor was very respectful of me and never imposed his style on me; we both tried to live and apply the Gospel to the circumstances and needs of the community, but each according to his own characteristics. For example, he promoted the rights and dignity of Indigenous people, and I tried to do the same, as this is evangelical and in accordance with the Magisterium of the Church, but each of us did it in our own way.

It’s the same thing that happens in a diocese, a parish, or a religious congregation. Those of us who are responsible for leading them are different, not only physically, but above all in some pastoral choices and approaches. How limited our Church would be if we were all identical in everything, like monolithic prefabricated pieces! Pope Francis repeatedly urged us not to strive for uniformity, but rather for unity in diversity. It’s the same thing that happens in any family: mom and dad are different; children are not identical copies of their parents; in some ways they resemble them, but in others they are very different; but the important thing is that there is family unity. Therefore, it is no surprise that the Popes are different in their styles, yet all are missionary disciples of Jesus.

LIGHTNING

In his first appearance in St. Peter’s Square on May 8th, just after his election, Pope Leo XIV clearly expressed the direction in which he wants us to continue walking:

“God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God’s hands. Therefore, without fear, hand in hand with God and with one another, let us move forward. We are disciples of Christ. Christ precedes us. The world needs your light. Humanity needs you as a bridge to be reached by God and by his love. Help us too, and help one another to build bridges, with dialogue, with encounter, uniting all of us to be one people always at peace. Thank you, Pope Francis!”

I also want to thank all my brother cardinals who have chosen me to be Peter’s successor and to walk alongside you, as a united Church, always seeking peace and justice, always trying to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ, without fear, to proclaim the Gospel, to be missionaries.

I am a son of Saint Augustine, who said: “With you, I am a Christian, and for you, I am a bishop.” In this sense, we can all journey together toward the homeland God has prepared for us. We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges, a Church that builds dialogue, always open to welcoming, like this square with open arms, everyone, all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, and love. We want to be a synodal Church, a Church that journeys, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close, especially to those who suffer.

ACTIONS

The Holy Spirit continues to guide his Church. Let us be open-minded and open-hearted, to discover the paths along which the Spirit leads us, through the current Successor of Peter, so that we may strive to be faithful to Jesus and good servants of the world, which so desperately needs God, to live in justice and peace, in brotherhood and unity.