Advertisement
Cardinal-elect Francis Leo addresses the Canadian consistory delegation at a welcome reception and dinner for the Canadian delegation, December 6, 2024.
Quinton Amundson
December 7, 2024
Share this article:
Rome
In the presence of cardinals, bishops, priests, laity, colleagues, friends and family, Cardinal-elect Leo pledged a Dec. 6 welcome reception and dinner for the Canadian delegation to live up to the vows he will take at the Papal Consistory on Dec. 7.
During his post-meal remarks at the Ristorante Cecilia Metella, he quipped that wearing the red cassock is “about more than making a bold fashion statement.”
“It speaks to the willingness to lead with courage, to defend the faith even onto death,” explained Leo. “To suffer for the sake of the Gospel. To be loyal to Christ, the holy mother Church, the supreme pontiff, come what may, with every breath I take, every beat of my heart and every drop of my blood.”
Recognizing that this pledge is a “tall order,” Leo expressed comfort in a piece of wisdom expressed by 15th-century Italian Catholic priest and Franciscan missionary St. Bernadine of Siena. The man who came to be known by some as the “Apostle of Italy” once said: “Whenever the divine favour chooses someone to receive a special grace, or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns the person chosen with all the gifts of the Spirit needed to fulfil the task at hand.”
Among the nearly 200 special guests who enjoyed the three-course meal, the ones who spoke to The Catholic Register expressed confidence that Leo will complete great service on behalf of the Church in Toronto, Canada and worldwide.
Agnes Thomas, the executive director of Catholic Charities of Toronto, expressed confidence in Leo “because he is humble, approachable and a highly prayerful person,” which, she said, “is exactly what our city needs and Church needs — an open, humble and holy person.”
Monique and Mario Reyes, a married couple who attend St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto, jointly expressed that “they are honoured” to attend the consistory, and Monique praised Leo’s ability “to transmit messages of hope” whenever she has heard him preach.
Msgr. Robert Nusca, president of St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto, raved about the gifts and traits Leo possesses that will aid him in this new role.
“He is a very giving individual intellectually, spiritually — in every way,” said Nusca. “He is for the people and with the people.”
Fr. Augusto Menichelli, the pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Thornhill, Ont., first met Leo during his six years serving as the General Secretary for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). Coming to know Leo has convinced Menichelli that Pope Francis “made the right choice” in elevating the Archbishop along with 20 others to the rank of cardinal because he “is good in all that is good" and he “is great at building relationships.” He expressed enthusiasm that Leo would prove to be a valued counsellor for the Bishop of Rome.
Fr. John Hodgins, a hospital chaplain for the Archdiocese of Toronto, said what has impressed him about Leo’s first 21 months guiding Canada’s largest Catholic community “is the warmth and care he shows to his fellow priests.”
Hodgins added “that it is a great honour” the Vatican is recognizing the strength of the Catholic Church in Toronto by appointing a second cardinal for the city. Cardinal and Archbishop emeritus Thomas Collins sat at Leo’s table for dinner, a table also featuring Leo’s father Francesco, who received a thunderous welcome applause resembling the affection his son received.
(Amundson is an associate editor and writer for The Catholic Register.)
Share this article:
Join the conversation and have your say: submit a letter to the Editor. Letters should be brief and must include full name, address and phone number (street and phone number will not be published). Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
