The first American pope, visibly moved, embraced parents mourning an unspeakable New Year’s tragedy and offered them the Church’s full compassion — and a message of faith that even in this darkness.
This brought me to tears. Seeing and hearing Pope Leo choke up had an impact on me. I know he is not Jesus but many times seeing him and hearing him speak makes me think Jesus is speaking.
““Be assured of his closeness and his tenderness,” Leo said of Jesus. “He is not distant from what you are experiencing; on the contrary, He shares it and carries it with you.”
In that moment, it was as if the pope himself were carrying a piece of their cross, shoulder to shoulder with each parent. He emphasized that the entire Church is praying and grieving “with you and for you” — they are not alone in this valley of tears.”
“Sitting face-to-face with the grieving families on Jan. 15, Pope Leo did not offer easy answers — he acknowledged the limits of human words in the face of such agony. “I cannot explain why you and your loved ones have been asked to face such a trial,” he admitted honestly. Instead, he joined them in the burning question that haunts every grieving heart: “Why, Lord?””
God made Pope Leo for this moment in time.
He knew we needed the help of an American pope.
I will be in Rome in March. Does Pope Leo lead the Mass each week? I want to attend. He is so awesome. Phyllis
This brought me to tears. Seeing and hearing Pope Leo choke up had an impact on me. I know he is not Jesus but many times seeing him and hearing him speak makes me think Jesus is speaking.
““Be assured of his closeness and his tenderness,” Leo said of Jesus. “He is not distant from what you are experiencing; on the contrary, He shares it and carries it with you.”
In that moment, it was as if the pope himself were carrying a piece of their cross, shoulder to shoulder with each parent. He emphasized that the entire Church is praying and grieving “with you and for you” — they are not alone in this valley of tears.”
“Sitting face-to-face with the grieving families on Jan. 15, Pope Leo did not offer easy answers — he acknowledged the limits of human words in the face of such agony. “I cannot explain why you and your loved ones have been asked to face such a trial,” he admitted honestly. Instead, he joined them in the burning question that haunts every grieving heart: “Why, Lord?””
Grief. Kindness and compassion. Resurrection.