Prayers and blessings for Pope Leo XIV and our Roman Catholic neighbors
In recent weeks, many have reflected on the mutual respect and friendship of Pope Francis and Lutheran pastoral leaders. The election now of Pope Leo XIV, an Augustinian like Martin Luther, has generated growing interest in considering the faith we hold in common. And given the growing divisions in our world and nation, the need for a humility as we saw in Pope Francis, and fires (literally) burning at home, I deeply appreciate some of the earliest messages of Pope Leo XIV and his greeting this week, echoing the words of Jesus arisen, “Peace be with you all.” What an important message for us and our world right now.
Given the relationships we have with our Catholic family members and friends in our communities, this would be an ideal summer to learn more about the dialogs that our church bodies are part of and come to a deeper appreciation of the call of Jesus to each of us, today.
Lutherans and Catholics have been in dialog about our common faith since the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council in 1967. Significant milestones in this dialog occurred in the years following, leading to the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (1999) that lifted old condemnations our churches held against one another. I know – it sounds very formal, unnecessary, and, well, old-fashioned, until I recall stories of Lutherans or Catholics who were disowned by their families as recently as the mid-twentieth century for marrying someone of “the other” faith. Some of you know these stories, as well.
The Joint Declaration led to a study document, From Conflict to Communion, in 2013. Many of you also may have been part of local celebrations of the Joint Catholic-Lutheran Commemoration of the Reformation, which took place on a global scale in a prayer service in Sweden on 31 October 2016. This service was jointly led by Pope Francis and leaders of the Lutheran World Federation. Since this commemoration, there has been a deeper commitment to cooperation between the Catholic Church and the LWF.
Looking for study resources? There is a wealth of ideas at the Lutheran World Federation website.
As we pray for Pope Leo XIV, I offer this Prayer of Pope Francis that is included in our worship resource, All Creation Sings.
Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live. The poor and the earth are crying out. O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your kingdom of justice, peace, love, and beauty.
Amen.
From sundaysandseasons.com.
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