POPE LEO XIV - LEGACY AND HOPES | KAIROS GLOBAL | JULY 2025

Author: Dr. Chackochan J Njavallil

Though it has been nearly 40 years, the memories are still fresh in my mind. It was 1986, Pope John Paul II’s visit to India. One of the major venues in Kerala for his public appearance was Kottayam. It was there that Sister Alphonsa was declared ‘Blessed’. Later, in 2008, she was canonised a saint.

At that time, I was a graduate student. Though I later had the opportunity to see popes even in the Vatican, my first experience of seeing the Pope in person was unforgettable. I still remember travelling from my village to Kottayam, the district headquarters, with an enthusiastic group of people. The huge crowd, the loud chants, the Eucharistic celebration – all of it remains vivid in my mind. Even now, whenever I see news or photos of the Pope visiting another country, those memories come rushing back. I believe this must be the experience of many ordinary people around the world who got to witness such a special moment.

Now, after the remarkable leadership of Pope Francis, the Church has a new shepherd – Pope Leo XIV. Pope Francis has left behind a beautiful legacy. He was known for his simplicity, his deep concern for humanity, his Christ-like approach to world issues, and his efforts to make the Church more synodal – that is, more listening and inclusive. He helped shape a Church that focuses more on people than just rules.

The early words and gestures of Pope Leo XIV are also very encouraging. Coming from a missionary background, he has already spoken about the urgent need for the Church to become more missionary in nature. This is a hopeful sign for the future.

The future of the Church depends on every member, not just priests and religious, taking up the call to be missionaries. Without this, the Church risks becoming inactive and unable to respond to today’s challenges. What we need is a Church where each person – young or old, layperson or clergy – feels called to spread the message of Christ in their own way.

It is uplifting to see that all over the world, more lay people and even families are taking part in long-term or lifelong mission work. This shows that a revival is already happening among the faithful.

Let us hope and pray that under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, every member of the Church becomes a missionary in spirit and action.