Providence would have it that I was in the prayer space surrounding the outdoor altar of the Parish of St. James the Apostle in Medjugorje, together with thousands of pilgrims beneath the white statue of the Queen of Peace and the bronze statue of the Risen Christ, when a powerful ringing of bells erupted for more than five minutes during the open-air Mass.

A small group of Spanish pilgrims, organized by some good friends, were attending the celebration of our first Eucharist in this unique Central European enclave where devotion to the Virgin Mary and prayer unite millions of pilgrims from all corners of the planet each year.

Suddenly, the thirty or so priests behind the altar stood up, and without a word, the crowd erupted in applause during the long and noisy carousel of bells announcing the great news. The several thousand in attendance looked at each other excitedly, whispering, “HABEMUS PAPAM!” How wonderful! How soon! Who will it be?…

The sun embraced the crowd, peeking through the constantly moving clouds, and the gentle breeze stirred the green branches of the trees, which danced in joyful harmony at the edge of the sky.

At the end of Mass, the Holy Hour entered serenely.

The adoration and silence were so beautiful and moving that their intermittent chants penetrated the pores of the soul, sculpting tears that flowed like unfathomable waterfalls of healing.

Beside us, a young Mexican couple was fortunate enough to have a smart phone and the generosity to share it. Thanks to them, we followed the live images from St. Peter’s Basilica.

Suddenly, a kind, serene, and relatively young man appeared on the central balcony in traditional papal attire to the cheers of the crowd that filled St. Peter’s Square.

The first words of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Leo XIV, filled us with joy: “Peace be with you all!”

The new Vicar of Christ on earth thus began his journey, embellishing his message with “the first greeting of the Risen Christ, who gave his life for the flock of God.”

His loving, forceful, and repeated plea for peace in a world where harmony is shattered by heartbreaking wars and polarizing politics carried his request to every corner of the earth.

The election of Leo XIV is proof that the Church transcends any individual and that the Holy Spirit works within her.

For this reason, and against all odds, a new Bishop of Rome arrives, a mathematician with a great missionary spirit and a bridge-builder, with a backpack full of hope, kindness, wisdom, strength, and temperance. The precise tools to act in the age of Artificial Intelligence, the dehumanization of civilization, and exclusionary nationalisms.

Welcoming the arrival of the Pontiff of Peace in the stunning mountainous land of the Virgin, Queen of Peace, has been a most special gift.

Welcome from Medjugorje, Leo XIV.

Welcome, dear Pope, successor of Peter in the hope of God’s infinite love and peace.