When Sister Regina Deitchman realized that our new pope was Cardinal Robert Prevost, whom she knew from her ministry in Peru, tears of joy filled her eyes. Talking with Sister Helen Therese (Elena) Mack, who also ministered in Peru, they reflected on their memories of him as “a very simple, a very friendly, and a very listening person.”
The election has touched the hearts of those who know him personally. Writing from Peru, Sister Esther Vilela Gutierrez shared, “The majority of the Peruvian people are grateful to God for this good news they have received. They are showing photos they have taken with him, which they are taking out of their baptismal chests, including ones with families serving food, etc. He is well known here because he has been among the people and is also known by some of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth.”
The Sisters agree with the consensus in the news media regarding the significance of his choice of papal name, Leo XIV, as it connects to Pope Leo XIII’s foundational work in Catholic Social Teaching, which Pope Francis put a modern light on in his encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum.
Sister Helen Therese said, “I hope he continues the legacy of Pope Francis, and he will continue to work with the idea of synod and city, which is extremely important today.” Sister Esther adds, “[Pope Leo XIV] has a special commitment to social justice, is recognized as a kind and warm person, and has remained a voice of common sense and practical concern for the Church’s work on behalf of the poor.”
Sisters Regina Deitchman, Helen Therese Mack, and Esther Vilela Gutierrez