News

For forty-five years, I was Professor of Old Testament Studies at Catholic Theological Union, a seminary/school of ministry in Chicago. Our priesthood candidates all belonged to various religious communities of men: Capuchins, Divine Word Missionaries, Comboni Missionaries, Augustinians, to name a few. It was in this capacity that Robert Prevost, a young Augustinian, enrolled in my classes. Who would have imagined that he would someday be known as Pope Leo XIV?

I have been asked, “What was he like?” That was forty-five years ago. Still, I remember him as very reliable, somewhat reserved, but for all practical purposes, a normal young man in his twenties. I know for sure that he was a good student who fulfilled all the academic requirements of the courses I taught. I know this because I have never discarded the grade records of any student. I have the original record of his seminary experience with me.
Over the years I would see him occasionally when he was back from Peru for the ordination of brother Augustinians. Our exchanges were brief, but warm. The last time I saw him was about ten years ago, at an Augustinian ordination over which he presided. When he was named cardinal, I sent him an email thanking him for his ministry that caught the eye of Pope Francis and for his willingness to take on a new and heavy responsibility. His immediate response was signed “Fraternally, Bob.” I sent another email after his election to the papacy, again promising daily prayers for him, this time joined with the entire church. I received an immediate response, signed “Leo XIV.”

When I had him in class, did I recognize his potential? No more nor less than the potential of others who were committing themselves to lifelong ministry to the people of God. At issue is not that he was always special. Rather, he appeared quite ordinary, but he grew into someone special. I was sure then that he would be good at whatever he did. By the grace of God and his own dedicated work, this is what he has become.
 

This article appears in the May Issue of Reflections and Connections

Subscribe to Reflections & Connections here.