The Catholic Cafe

Pope Leo addressed the Jubilee of Families in Rome and told them that the One Flesh relationship of Marriage is not an unobtainable ideal, but it is instead a measure of true love between a man and a woman, and he future reminded us that families are the cradle of the future of himanity.

In the address of Pope Leo XIV to the Diplomatic Corps on May 16, he spoke of the responsibility of governments to build harmonious and peaceful societies. This can only be done, the Holy Father said, by investing in the family, founded upon the stable union between a man and a woman.

In his address to the Eastern Churches, Pope Leo XIV spoke eloquently about the traditions of Eastern spirituality and their sense of mystery, and the Eastern Churches are needed by the Universal Church. He also said the East, ever ancient and ever new, is a medicine for the West. Perhaps revisiting Latin spirituality and worship can benefit from a look to the East.

As the words, habemus papem, are proclaimed from the central loggia of the Basilica of St. Peter, all eyes in the world turn to see our new pope take center stage. Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy in hope and prayer, becoming the 267th shepherd of the Universal Church.

Many folks think the Catholic belief that Peter was made the first pope of the Catholic Church by Jesus is merely a human tradition. A quick search of Sacred Scripture shows that the Petrine Primacy is of divine origin and intended as an office to be maintained as long as there is a Church on earth.

The whole world watches with anticipation as the cardinals of Roman Catholic Church solemnly enter the Sistene Chapel at the Vatican after praying to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit promising to keep the whole process secret. We are taken with mystery, intrigue, and holy anticipation as we await the results.

With the death of Pope Francis, the Universal Church enters a time known as the Interregnum, a time between popes. The process of electing a new leader for the Catholic Church is one steeped in tradition, customs, mystery, and even intrigue, but we believe the Holy Spirit is present for all of it.

As we contemplate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord during Holy Week, it is good that we focus for a time on WHY Jesus chose to die for us. He gave Himself totally on the Cross as a free gift, so that we might be reconciled to the Father. That necessarily entails the forgiveness of our sins.

Speaking of going door to door to share the Gospel typically strikes fear in the hearts of Catholics. It is just not what we typically do. But Austin Habash, of the organization Sent Evangelization, offers insight into unique methodology that helps Catholics reclaim the evangelistic zeal with which much of the world came to know the Good News of Jesus.

The familiar parable of the Prodigal Son is always heard during Lent, and it teaches many truths of the Faith. Perhaps the greatest takeaway is the undying mercy of the Father. This mercy is only available to us if we but turn back to Him in a state of repentance.