I made a pilgrimage to Italy in early August with some friends of mine, and we visited Rome, Pietrelcina and Assisi.  

In Rome, I was blessed to attend the Wednesday audience with Pope Leo XIV in the Basilica of St. Peter and, because I was dressed as a bishop with my house cassock and zucchetto, I was escorted to a front row seat below the high altar over the tomb of St. Peter. When the audience concluded, the Holy Father descended from his chair in front of the main altar to greet the pilgrims, beginning first with the bishops who were in attendance. I was third in line to meet Pope Leo and thought about what I might say to him. I introduced myself by stating my name and told him that I was an auxiliary bishop of Atlanta. He asked if we had ever met before. I was quick to respond, “No, this was our first meeting.” 

I was tempted to speak about baseball and the Chicago White Sox to Pope Leo, for which we know he is a fan, but then I felt that this might not be the appropriate time for the conversation. I simply thanked him for his “Yes” to his election as the successor of St. Peter and assured him of my prayers. Pope Leo smiled and then continued to greet the other pilgrims. 

Reflecting upon my brief encounter with Pope Leo, I pondered how anyone could bear the burden of the office of the Vicar of Christ with the eyes of millions looking to him for leadership and direction. I wondered how lonely he might feel as someone who lives in the constant view of the public with the eyes of the world upon him. I surmised that the importance of his office carried with it also the burden of temptation. What advice could anyone other than Jesus offer to the pope? 

Pope Leo XIV greets Bishop Bernard E. Shlesinger III of Atlanta at St. Peter’s Basilica in August at a Wednesday general audience. Photo by Simone Risoluti/Vatican Media

Interestingly, Jesus had already addressed a message to the first pope, Simon Peter, at the Last Supper. Taking Simon Peter aside from the other apostles, Jesus said to him: “Simon, Simon, Satan has demanded to sift you all like wheat, but I have prayed that your faith will not fail. And when you turn back to me, strengthen your brethren.” These words which the Lord addressed to Simon Peter are meant for Pope Leo and for all Christians who choose to exercise leadership within the Church. Turning back to Jesus is the one indispensable lesson that all of us must embrace. 

As the Holy Father proceeded to greet the other pilgrims, I prayed that he would have that strength to see himself as Christ’s companion. This word “companion” is rooted in the concept of breaking bread together (“panis” in Latin or “pan” in Spanish), especially at the Eucharist where Jesus is our companion and is the bread of life. 

It is my hope to meet Pope Leo again next year when the bishops of our province gather in Rome for our Ad Limina visit, and that one day we too will be able to break bread together as eucharistic companions in Christ and even talk this time about baseball.