Cardinal who has known eight Popes pays tribute to Pope Leo

The last farewell to Pope Francis and the first embrace to Leo XIV

It is right to thank the Holy Spirit for having enlightened the cardinal electors in identifying Card. Robert Francis Prevost as the new Roman Pontiff, bishop of Rome and pastor of the universal Church. His election was a real surprise, as was that of Pope Francis, both of whom were not relevant among the papabili indicated by the media.

Before Pope Leo I personally knew seven Popes: the venerable Pius XII after the National Eucharistic Congress held in Lecce in 1956, Saint John XXIII as a cardinal during the same Congress in Lecce, Saint Paul VI who appointed me bishop in Oria, Blessed John Paul I as a cardinal, Saint John Paul II who appointed me metropolitan archbishop first in Foggia then in Taranto and subsequently in Palermo creating me cardinal.

Benedict XVI had been my guest as a Cardinal in Foggia and Palermo and honored me with his trust, as Pope Francis, with his paternal benevolence. I was moved by the last handshake he gave me on Palm Sunday: I will never forget it.

I met Pope Leo when he was still an archbishop and then a cardinal when Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. Until a few months ago he lived in the same building as me and so as roommates we met frequently. I was able to admire in him the signs of true greatness: simplicity, humility, kindness, amiability. Two years ago he also wanted to participate in my triple Jubilee as a priest, bishop and cardinal.

During the Congregations preceding the Conclave, sitting very close to him, I had the opportunity to notice the attention with which he followed each intervention, noting it down.

Therefore, my joy was great when, after the white smoke, the cardinal protodeacon announced his election with the name of Leo XIV.

But even greater was my joy when I was able to kiss his ring in the Sistine Chapel and then receive his embrace.

We must thank the Holy Spirit above all because he prepared him for the difficult ministry of Successor of Peter with notable gifts of nature and grace that make his service to the universal Church and the world easier and more effective.

As a son of Saint Augustine, he has a solid human and spiritual formation. Graduated in mathematics and canon law with a license in philosophy, he shows a high cultural profile.

Prior General of the Augustinians for two terms, he has a proven ability to govern and a vast knowledge of the world.

Sent from wealthy Chicago as a missionary among the poor people of Peru, he has direct pastoral experience, and as a parish priest and residential bishop, the ability to love and be among the people.

Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops for over two years and member of other Dicasteries, he knows the Vatican Curia and the structures of the Holy See very well. And it is clear to everyone how, in this first month, his service for unity and love in the Church, for justice and peace in the world, manifests all its fruits. And the vast appreciation at the ecclesial and world level is proof of this.

He asked for our prayers and we assure it to him, as the first and fundamental collaboration with his Petrine Ministry.

Cardinal Salvatore De Giorgi

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