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POPE LEO XIV

a reflection by  Canon Paul Cummins (Diocesan Administrator)​

Anything we say about our new Pope can only be based on speculation and the little that we can glean from the past few days of his ministry since his election. I am sure that as time passes, we will gain a much fuller picture of his style, and the way he will serve the Church as Pope. But for now, what can we infer from what we know of Pope Leo XIV?

 

The first words of the new Pope Leo in his opening address to the world from the balcony over St Peter’s square were of peace; “Peace be with all of you. This is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd. Who gave his life for God’s flock.”, Pope Leo also spoke of building bridges and the importance of dialogue, “We can be a missionary church a church that builds bridges, that is always open to everyone.” He also emphasised a continuity with Pope Francis by referencing him directly, “Thank you Pope Francis!” he said. These words give us an insight into the kind of Pope Leo wishes to be, bringing continuity and his own insight into the needs of the Church

 

Cardinal Vincent spoke to the press after the Conclave. Among other things, he mentioned that the relatively rapid decision was a sign of the level of agreement amongst the Cardinal electors. This is a very positive sign for the future of the Church. It looks like Pope Leo has many of the qualities you would look for in a shepherd;

 

He has international experience. He was born in Chicago to a French father and an Italian mother. He worked among the poor in Peru. Has been a teacher, parish Priest, Bishop,

Archbishop and Cardinal. Latterly he has worked in the Curia (Vatican offices) in Rome.

 

He has a passion for the poor and the marginalised. His choice of name, Leo, maybe relates to Leo 13th who was the father of modern Catholic social teaching. Leo 13th wrote the papal document Rerum Novarum (‘Of revolutionary change’), on the rights of workers and the need for the Church to involve itself in promoting social justice in the light of the Industrial Revolution. Leo is perhaps indicating his desire for the Church to reach out to those who are suffering as a consequence of economic and social depravity in today’s world

 

Pope Leo is a proven leader. He has served as Superior of the Augustinians, elected by his peers (which is a sign the of the esteem his fellows held him in). He was a Bishop in Peru and was elected as the vice president of the Bishop’s conference in Peru. He has been a member of the Curia, serving in many roles in the Vatican, most recently as Prefect of the Dicastery of Bishops - the office that chooses Bishops, a very respected role.

 

Pope Leo is known as a humble pastor. In his opening address to the Cardinals who elected him, he said, ‘I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian, who said, "with you I am a Christian, for you a bishop". So may we all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us.’ He later quoted St Ignatius who said that people who exercise authority in the Church should, “make oneself small so that he (Christ) may be known and glorified.” In this way, Pope Leo is emphasising that he is a servant of Christ, and not one to lord it over others on account of his role.

 

The motto that Pope Leo has chosen, ‘In illo uno unum’

Can be translated as, ‘In him who is one, we are one’ or ‘In the one Christ, we are one.’ So, unity with Christ is very much part of his way of thinking. As a bridge-builder (Pontiff), Pope Leo is reaching out to us all, welcoming all as he did in his opening address, and calling us all into unity with Christ. I find this vision inspiring, and full of hope.

 

May God bless Pope Leo in his ministry, fill him with wisdom, courage and insight, and deepen his relationship with the True Shepherd and servant King, Jesus Christ.

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I announce to you news of great joy:
We have a Pope!

 

'Peace be with all of you.'

 

On Thursday evening we  heard the joyful news that Cardinal Robert Prevost had been elected as Pope and has chosen to take the name Pope Leo XIV.

You will no doubt have seen or listened to the extensive media coverage, but we offer you some resources and information which may be of help at this time.

 

Message from our Diocesan Administrator

God has blessed us with a new shepherd to guide His Church.
This is a moment of pure joy and hope for all of us in the Diocese of Plymouth, in England and Wales, and indeed across the world.
Thanks be to God for this great gift.

The election of a Pope is always a significant moment for the Catholic Church. so I invite you to support Pope Leo in his new ministry of service as we join in prayer for him;

May the Lord protect him and grant him length of days. Amen.
May the Lord be his shield and deliver him from all harm. Amen.
May the Lord give him happiness and peace all the days of his life. Amen.”

Canon Paul Cummins
Diocesan Administrator Diocese of Plymouth

You can find footage of the new Pope on the Vatican YouTube channel at this link.

Prayers for Pope Leo XIV

Please keep Pope Leo in your prayers. You could use this lovely prayer from CAFOD:

Faithful God,
You guide us on the path of life
and your goodness is our constant companion.
Be with our new Shepherd, Pope Leo XIV,
in his service of the Church.
Fill him with the power of your Spirit,
the peace of your presence
and the compassion of Christ.
May he walk with you,
in wisdom and humility,
and lead us, together with all God’s people,
to embody your love for the world.
Amen

Messages from Fr James Barber
Jubilee Coordinator, Plymouth Diocese

I hope this finds you well in this Easter season. Having commenced our Eastertide, this message aims to share further good news regarding the Weeks of Jubilee in the coming weeks. This is the most intense time in terms of how many Jubilees there are, so please bear with me as I lay the dates out. As I have mentioned previously, parishes are different from one another and what and how you choose to celebrate is down to your discretion. Of course, the focus initially is the death of the Holy Father, and the Election thereafter, but the Dicastery for Evangelisation has made it clear that the Jubilee continues on as the Holy Father intended.

April

      Now until Sunday 27th April - Jubilee of Teenagers

This Jubilee was intended to be of special import to Pope Francis, and he prepared for it with Christus Vivit last year, which is his reflection on the input of young people in the Synodal journey. It has some encouraging words which, I know, some have already been sharing with our teens in the aftermath of the Holy Father’s death.

      28th -30th April - Jubilee of People with Disabilities

This comes sandwiched between two other major Jubilees, but, as always, feel free to expand the time and celebration if more fitting to your parish.

 

May

      1st - 4th May - Jubilee of Workers

Coincides with the Feast of St Joseph. I have heard some are giving a reflection on some of the Church’s Social Teaching during this time, which sounds very inspired indeed.

      5th - 10th May - Jubilee of Entrepreneurs

The Holy See intended for this, and that of Workers to be seen as connected, but I know many are choosing to honour the Catenians and other such organisations during this time.

      11th - 18th May - Jubilee Icon at the Cathedral

The Jubilee Icon has been making its way through the country and arrives in Plymouth Cathedral for Good Shepherd Sunday - an opportune time for focus on vocations. It coincides with the arrival of the Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, so it will be a beautiful and rich time to make a pilgrimage to the Cathedral. 

      11th - 15th May - Jubilee of Musical Bands

This Jubilee comes as a surprise, I’m sure, but there is a Jubilee of Choirs later in the year which may fit with your musical situation better.

      16th - 18th May - Jubilee of Confraternities

Another opportunity to celebrate some of the excellent Catholic organisations that contribute to the life of the Church.

      19th - 23rd May - Schools Pilgrimage Week

During this week many of our schools are making mini-pilgrimages, and some of our schools are making very significant ones. By journeying together all through the Diocese, our schools are hoping to cultivate and signify to all our young people the unity of the Church, or at least one way of expressing it. It is also Laudato Si Week, so look out for materials for that.

      24th - 31st May - Jubilee of Children

This takes places over the Half Term, hence the pilgrimage week for schools taking place beforehand. I know many parishes are planning great things for this week.

 

June

      1st - 8th June - Jubilee of Families, Grandparents, and the Elderly

I know that for many parishes this Jubilee Week is a centre-piece of the Jubilee calendar. Bringing families together, preaching and teaching on the life Christ brings to the Family will be an incredible opportunity. Not to mention, of course, this takes place over Pentecost, which adds a further layer which, I’m sure, will be helpful.

      1st - 8th June - Week of Pilgrimage to Creation

This week also includes the Feast of St Boniface and therefore a pilgrimage to the Place of Pilgrimage, Crediton, as the Shrine of St Boniface, would be most fitting during this week. 

      9th - 14th June - Jubilee of Diocesan Workers

This coincides with the Jubilee for the Roman Curia in Rome, so this seems like a fitting week to honour and celebrate those who work, with diverse gifts and talents, in the Diocese for the building of the Kingdom.

      15th - 20th June - Jubilee of Sport

Many Sports Days may be taking place during this week, and I know some parishes are planning a sporting event or two, and I’m sure this will be a wonderful occasion of celebration and enjoying the Summer weather.

      21st - 24th June - Jubilee of Civic Service

This Jubilee honours all who serve the nation in civic service, from local government employees to those elected to public office. I know that, already, some parishes have invited councillors or their MPs for an event of some kind. I hope these efforts are fruitful. 

      25th - 29th June - Jubilee of Priests

This Jubilee ends this very long list, and I hope we all find time to have a rest, preach on vocations once more, or share something of the priestly life during this Jubilee Week. Mileage can vary, but the opportunity is there in this week to do something about priests and priesthood that we might not ordinarily do.

 

 25 February 2025​

I’m getting in touch to share with you that we have managed to secure the Jubilee Icon for the Diocese for a further week October 20th - 26th. Owing to the Icon having already been present in the Cathedral and the Icon itself journeying from Portsmouth the week before, it has been agreed that the church of St. Mary’s, Poole will host it during that time. St. Mary’s is equipped with a generously sized church, carpark, and facilities and so is well-suited for those who need to travel. We have only just managed to make this arrangement so further details will be shared when we have them.

I hope this will make a visit to the Icon more possible during this Holy Year.

​

Revelation

In this Jubilee year where Pope Francis has asked us to be active “Pilgrims of Hope”, renowned scripture scholar and author, Fr. Nicholas King SJ, will lead us to understand the Book of Revelation and how the Word of God is our power for Mission. . This event will be held at Buckfast Abbey conference centre on Saturday 15th March 10am-4pm. ( Dart View Room 4). There is an opportunity to go to the Abbey mass at noon. Booking is essential and needs to be done through plymouth-crownhill@prcdtr.org.uk Enquiries: 01752 701660. We look forward to seeing you at this inspiring day.

​​​

Diocesan Jubilee Calendar

With the Holy Year underway I can now share with you the Diocesan Jubilee Calendar. It is a spreadsheet which plots the liturgical year, Diocesan events, Schools, Parishes, and Charity activities during the year. Seeing them alongside one another should provide a level of clarity about how things relate. This will be updated as further developments take place.

​

Places of Pilgrimage

I have already heard word of people keen to go on pilgrimage, which is tremendous. Please contact the Place of Pilgrimage ahead of time to avoid disappointment to give them a chance to prepare. Be prepared for them to suggest dates that fit better with their schedules. The contacts are below:

​​​

Messages from Fr James Barber
Jubilee Coordinator, Plymouth Diocese

I hope this finds you well in this Easter season. Having commenced our Eastertide, this message aims to share further good news regarding the Weeks of Jubilee in the coming weeks. This is the most intense time in terms of how many Jubilees there are, so please bear with me as I lay the dates out. As I have mentioned previously, parishes are different from one another and what and how you choose to celebrate is down to your discretion. Of course, the focus initially is the death of the Holy Father, and the Election thereafter, but the Dicastery for Evangelisation has made it clear that the Jubilee continues on as the Holy Father intended.

April

      Now until Sunday 27th April - Jubilee of Teenagers

This Jubilee was intended to be of special import to Pope Francis, and he prepared for it with Christus Vivit last year, which is his reflection on the input of young people in the Synodal journey. It has some encouraging words which, I know, some have already been sharing with our teens in the aftermath of the Holy Father’s death.

      28th -30th April - Jubilee of People with Disabilities

This comes sandwiched between two other major Jubilees, but, as always, feel free to expand the time and celebration if more fitting to your parish.

 

May

      1st - 4th May - Jubilee of Workers

Coincides with the Feast of St Joseph. I have heard some are giving a reflection on some of the Church’s Social Teaching during this time, which sounds very inspired indeed.

      5th - 10th May - Jubilee of Entrepreneurs

The Holy See intended for this, and that of Workers to be seen as connected, but I know many are choosing to honour the Catenians and other such organisations during this time.

      11th - 18th May - Jubilee Icon at the Cathedral

The Jubilee Icon has been making its way through the country and arrives in Plymouth Cathedral for Good Shepherd Sunday - an opportune time for focus on vocations. It coincides with the arrival of the Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, so it will be a beautiful and rich time to make a pilgrimage to the Cathedral. 

      11th - 15th May - Jubilee of Musical Bands

This Jubilee comes as a surprise, I’m sure, but there is a Jubilee of Choirs later in the year which may fit with your musical situation better.

      16th - 18th May - Jubilee of Confraternities

Another opportunity to celebrate some of the excellent Catholic organisations that contribute to the life of the Church.

      19th - 23rd May - Schools Pilgrimage Week

During this week many of our schools are making mini-pilgrimages, and some of our schools are making very significant ones. By journeying together all through the Diocese, our schools are hoping to cultivate and signify to all our young people the unity of the Church, or at least one way of expressing it. It is also Laudato Si Week, so look out for materials for that.

      24th - 31st May - Jubilee of Children

This takes places over the Half Term, hence the pilgrimage week for schools taking place beforehand. I know many parishes are planning great things for this week.

 

June

      1st - 8th June - Jubilee of Families, Grandparents, and the Elderly

I know that for many parishes this Jubilee Week is a centre-piece of the Jubilee calendar. Bringing families together, preaching and teaching on the life Christ brings to the Family will be an incredible opportunity. Not to mention, of course, this takes place over Pentecost, which adds a further layer which, I’m sure, will be helpful.

      1st - 8th June - Week of Pilgrimage to Creation

This week also includes the Feast of St Boniface and therefore a pilgrimage to the Place of Pilgrimage, Crediton, as the Shrine of St Boniface, would be most fitting during this week. 

      9th - 14th June - Jubilee of Diocesan Workers

This coincides with the Jubilee for the Roman Curia in Rome, so this seems like a fitting week to honour and celebrate those who work, with diverse gifts and talents, in the Diocese for the building of the Kingdom.

      15th - 20th June - Jubilee of Sport

Many Sports Days may be taking place during this week, and I know some parishes are planning a sporting event or two, and I’m sure this will be a wonderful occasion of celebration and enjoying the Summer weather.

      21st - 24th June - Jubilee of Civic Service

This Jubilee honours all who serve the nation in civic service, from local government employees to those elected to public office. I know that, already, some parishes have invited councillors or their MPs for an event of some kind. I hope these efforts are fruitful. 

      25th - 29th June - Jubilee of Priests

This Jubilee ends this very long list, and I hope we all find time to have a rest, preach on vocations once more, or share something of the priestly life during this Jubilee Week. Mileage can vary, but the opportunity is there in this week to do something about priests and priesthood that we might not ordinarily do.

 

 25 February 2025​

I’m getting in touch to share with you that we have managed to secure the Jubilee Icon for the Diocese for a further week October 20th - 26th. Owing to the Icon having already been present in the Cathedral and the Icon itself journeying from Portsmouth the week before, it has been agreed that the church of St. Mary’s, Poole will host it during that time. St. Mary’s is equipped with a generously sized church, carpark, and facilities and so is well-suited for those who need to travel. We have only just managed to make this arrangement so further details will be shared when we have them.

I hope this will make a visit to the Icon more possible during this Holy Year.

​

Revelation

In this Jubilee year where Pope Francis has asked us to be active “Pilgrims of Hope”, renowned scripture scholar and author, Fr. Nicholas King SJ, will lead us to understand the Book of Revelation and how the Word of God is our power for Mission. . This event will be held at Buckfast Abbey conference centre on Saturday 15th March 10am-4pm. ( Dart View Room 4). There is an opportunity to go to the Abbey mass at noon. Booking is essential and needs to be done through plymouth-crownhill@prcdtr.org.uk Enquiries: 01752 701660. We look forward to seeing you at this inspiring day.

​​​

Diocesan Jubilee Calendar

With the Holy Year underway I can now share with you the Diocesan Jubilee Calendar. It is a spreadsheet which plots the liturgical year, Diocesan events, Schools, Parishes, and Charity activities during the year. Seeing them alongside one another should provide a level of clarity about how things relate. This will be updated as further developments take place.

​

Places of Pilgrimage

I have already heard word of people keen to go on pilgrimage, which is tremendous. Please contact the Place of Pilgrimage ahead of time to avoid disappointment to give them a chance to prepare. Be prepared for them to suggest dates that fit better with their schedules. The contacts are below:

​​​

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