In the life of the Church, every leadership transition is a moment of grace and continuity. A recently published book in Italy has shed light on the deep bond between the late Pope Francis and the man who now sits on the Chair of Saint Peter, Pope Leo XIV. These revelations invite us to reflect on how God prepares hearts and paths long before we can glimpse the full plan.
Journalist Salvatore Cernuzio, a close friend of Francis for years, shares in his work "Father" testimonies that show the special esteem the pontiff—who passed away in April 2025—had for then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. Though Francis never explicitly named a successor, his words and actions sowed seeds that would blossom in the conclave of May that same year.
As Christians, we can find comfort in knowing that the Holy Spirit's guidance transcends our human limitations. Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 16:9 that
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps" (NIV). This truth is clearly evident in the processes of discernment that characterize the life of the Church.
Building a Gradual Service
The journey of Pope Leo XIV within the Church's structure shows a careful, progressive preparation. From his service as prior general of the Augustinians to his appointment as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2015, each step was a new opportunity to grow in pastoral service.
Francis, with the pastoral wisdom that so marked him, entrusted increasing responsibilities to Cardinal Prevost. In 2020, he appointed him to the Dicastery for Bishops, and in 2023 named him prefect of that same body—one of the most important roles after the Secretariat of State and the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. That same year, he made him a cardinal.
This gradual process speaks of a Church that forms its servants with patience and discernment. It is not about hasty promotions but a journey that allows growth in vocation. As the parable of the talents teaches us in Matthew 25:21:
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" (NIV).
The Importance of Formation in Service
Each stage in Pope Leo XIV's life represented a different school of ecclesial service. His experience as an Augustinian religious gave him a deep understanding of community life. His episcopal ministry in Peru connected him with the pastoral realities of Latin America. And his service in the Roman Curia allowed him to grasp the dynamics of the universal Church.
This diversity of experiences is a treasure for any pastor, as it enables him to understand the multiple dimensions of the People of God. The Church, as the Body of Christ, needs leaders who can listen to the different voices that compose it and together discern the Spirit's path.
A Testimony of Unity and Complementarity
One of the most beautiful aspects revealed in Cernuzio's book is the complementary relationship between Francis and Leo XIV. The journalist recalls how Francis used to say: "Start processes, don't occupy spaces." And he adds: "He opened paths, and now Pope Leo walks them."
This image speaks of a Church on the move, where each pontificate brings its own charism while maintaining essential continuity. It is not about ruptures but different emphases within the same evangelizing mission. As St. Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6:
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work" (NIV).
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