This is 2025, and just yesterday, the new Pope was revealed to the world. People all over the world watched it happen and for the first time, the Catholic fateful could actually take part in the process, making it as transparent as they possibly could. The name of the new Pope is Pope Leo XIV, and for catholics all over the world, this announcement was met with lots of celebration.
Not too long ago, the world was shocked by the death of Pope Francis. However, we’ve all moved on. It was a celebration of life, considering everything the man had gone through. Now, we have Pope Leo and all is right with the world again.
But then, the announcement of the new pope is not really my focus today. But instead, something that just struck me. I don’t know if this is a big deal, but for those who were born from 2004 upwards have actually lived to see three popes in the Vatican. And I’m sure that as time goes on, we’ll get to see so much more.
When I was born, the Pope on the Papal seat then was Pope John Paul II. He was one pope who was loved all over the world, and he was known for his love of the Mother Mary. He beatified and canonized many saints. He was also a key player in building peaceful relationships between all religions of the world. And that’s saying a lot.
He died in 2005, and his funeral is to date the most attended funeral with the largest number of world powers in attendance. Kings and Queens, more than 70 presidents. Islamic Leaders, Judaism, and even leaders from other Christian denominations were present. That’s just to show you how much of an enigma he was.
So, John Paul II was replaced by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, and he led the Catholic Church for a while. But then, he’s the only Pope I’ve seen in my lifetime who quits the Papal office. He quit in 2013, and there was a slew of controversies that hit the Vatican at the time. I don’t know if his resignation had anything to do with the controversies; all I know is that in the end, he had to step down.
Also, there is also the possibility that he did it for health reasons. Not everyone can handle the physical and mental stress that being the leader of the largest and oldest religious organization in the world does to you. So, maybe when he saw that it was too much for him, he stepped down. As I said, I don’t know for sure.
Anyway, after he stepped down, he was replaced by Pope Francis. The thing is, Pope Francis was the pope who actually had more eyes on him thanks to social media. And with the Vatican being open with everything, it was as if we were right there with him. In the last years of his life, we got to see more and more of him, something that may not have been the case in the past. We followed his health journey and saw how he battled with his health. His frequent trips to the hospital and how he always seemed to bounce back to health. Until he didn’t.
He was the leader of the Catholic Church for 12 years-ish, and now, we’re onto a new leader by the name of Pope Leo. He would be the fourth pope get to see in my lifetime. As I said, I don’t know if it’s a big deal. However, I hope that this transparency will continue and the world will be able to follow closely the life and times of the Pope, knowing everything he’s involved with.
Long live the Pope!
