He’s not Father Bob anymore.
That’s what Eskasoni’s Father Antolin Neo Asor has been calling his friend, former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, for the past 20 years or so. But now, Asor will have to get used to calling “Bob” “His Holiness Leo XIV.” And he doesn’t seem to mind it one bit.
“Of course we’ve met face to face,” the Eskasoni priest said while standing in Holy Family Church on the Eskasoni First Nation where he has served for over four years. “We’ve eaten together and joked around just like anybody would.”
Worked together
As members of the Order of Saint Augustine, Asor and Pope Leo XIV met in person at least three times. In fact, they’ve worked together many times in Asor’s various roles with the Augustinians.
Asor said he thinks the announcement of his friend’s papacy was a surprise even to the Pope. He explains that the Conclave that chose a successor to Pope Francis, who died on Easter weekend, is made up of 133 people – and every one of them is in the running for the position. Even before the death of Francis, high-profile names were being bandied about as his successor – but few spoke the name of American Cardinal Prevost.
Asor said usually the Conclave has a more Europe-centric focus or looks to Asia or South America.
“I’m confident it was the right decision. Leo XIV is shy, quiet, a good listener and he really looks at you and listens. Then, he takes the time to summarize what has been said in the fullness of his wisdom.
“He’s very approachable and welcoming.”
New Pope ‘global’
In Sydney, Father Bill Burke of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish said he too was surprised not only at the choice, but the speed with which a new pope was announced.
Burke has been through eight popes in his lifetime and couldn’t be more grateful for the latest to be chosen.
“The first day the Pope was chosen, I had 30 calls from people asking who he was and ‘Is he a nice guy,” said Burke.
“I knew of this man before because I used to be an Augustinian. I kept friendships in the community and know people who know him. I know of this man and of the qualities he has.
“One hundred and thirty-three people making a decision. I thought it would take longer and I never expected an American. It tells me that they certainly knew what they wanted. They don’t want a carbon copy of Francis, but want someone who can fulfil his agenda.”
Although born in the United States, both Burke and Asor refer to the new Pope as “global.”
He speaks English, Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese and reads German and Latin. The two Cape Breton priests explain that for 12 years Leo XIV headed the Augustinian Order and would have had to visit 50 countries around the world in his work.
“He’s Augustinian to the core,” said Burke. “They live by: ‘We all beat with the same heart.”
Burke said as an Augustinian, Leo XIV would be steeped in the spirituality of “common good for all.”
The new Pope has worked among the poor of Peru for the last 20 years.
“He’s walked the walk. He knows the poor,” said Burke. “Theologically he’s a bit of a conservative, but he views the church as a big tent where all are welcome.”
In Eskasoni, Asor said his parish is very happy with the successor to Francis. They hope he continues taking the church in the same direction. And Asor has told his parish members about another reason they should look for hope, comfort and strength from the new Leo XIV, whom he describes as “experienced, in-tune with culture and a very smart person.”
“He has had a lot of experience with aboriginal Peruvians. He integrated himself into the lifestyle and understands poverty and the beautiful culture of a faithful people.”
Augustinians, said Asor, take a vow of poverty, chastity and obedience to God. They cling to and love the simplicity of life.
“Their mission is to live out what they have promised to God all for the sake of the kingdom.”
Unions sacred
In Sydney, Burke has a different reason why he thinks his parish will relate to and be hopeful in Leo XIV. He’s most interested in why Leo chose his name.
Leo XIII was head of the Catholic Church from 1878 until his death in July 1903. Burke said he is credited with bringing the church into the modern era at the turn of the last century. It was a time (in the 1890s) when capitalism was unbridled and the great divide between the rich and the poor exploded.
“Human dignity was not prioritized,” said Burke. “We were all just cogs in a wheel.”
Leo XIII spent his entire papacy fighting for the working person and their dignity, even going as far as insisting that labour unions were sacred.
With Cape Breton’s history of labour and unions that improved the quality of life for so many, Burke believes Leo XIV will resonate with Cape Breton’s largely Catholic population, should he be using Leo XIII as a model.
“The new Pope Leo XIV gave everyone a message through the choice of his name,” said Burke. “I am so grateful he was chosen. I am very optimistic.”