Don Ciucci: "Pope Leo XIV is not a surprise, he was among the papabili. He will help us to broaden our minds and hearts"

"A great grace, demanding, which enlarges the heart". This is how Don Andrea Ciucci, coordinator of the Central Office of the Pontifical Academy for Life, comments on the election of Robert Francis Prevost , Pope Leo XIV, an Ambrosian "transplanted" to the Vatican.

Stefania Cecchetti reports it on the Chiesa di Milano portal. An unexpected choice? "It wasn't an absolute surprise, it was among the names on the eve. Let's say right away that he is a man chosen by Pope Francis, so I think it is a choice that is in the order of continuity, but I hope also creative, because it is right that every pope gives his contribution", comments Don Ciucci. Who adds: "The new bishop of Rome is an American, he is an Augustinian father, he was a bishop in Peru, as he recalled speaking in Spanish in his first speech as pope, he directed a dicastery in the Vatican. In short, he has a profile that unites very different cultures, histories and traditions, in a very particular way".

"It will help us to broaden our minds and hearts"

In a certain sense, Ciucci continues, "we can say that the new pope brings together geography and history. He broadens our gaze from a geographical point of view, being originally from the United States and having had experience in Latin America, but also from a historical point of view, having grown up in an order with a thousand-year-old wisdom and religious tradition, which even refers to Saint Augustine. I think he will help us to broaden our minds and hearts, to think of different ways to announce the Gospel".

And on the name chosen: "A traditional name, in some ways. But let us not forget that Leo XIII is the author of Rerum Novarum , one of the most innovative works in the history of the Church."

Delpini: "The Ambrosian Church loves the Pope"

The Archbishop of Milan, Monsignor Mario Delpini, also left a speech on the new pontiff: "In the fear of the Annunciation, the grace of God is manifested. The Ambrosian Church prays and loves the Pope and in this anxious moment of the beginning I believe that the grace of the Annunciation is verified. The word of Jesus invites the disciples: 'Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields that are already white for the harvest' (Jn 4:35). Certainly the Pope accepts Jesus' invitation and looks at our time and our world to recognize the work of God. Pope Leo XIV, who begins his ministry today, knows that he must be the servant of all so that all may be one: he does not expect applause and triumphs. 'When insulted, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we comfort' (cf. 1 Cor 4:12f). These are the feelings that I imagine in the Pope and the intentions for which we pray: because in the turmoil experience grace, in interpreting the world recognize the approach of the kingdom, in the service of unity transfigure trials into declarations of love for the Church.