One word. One word, which changed the life of one cardinal. I knew I was going to hear a word – one word only – but I still waited with bated breath to hear it, writes Cardinal John Dew. Source: NZCBC.
There had already been immediate applause as we cardinals counted the votes in the ballot on the afternoon of May 8. The counting had not been completed, but as it became clear that Cardinal Robert Prevost had enough votes to become the new Bishop of Rome, the applause that filled the Sistine Chapel was as deafening as it was enthusiastic.
We all knew that we had a new Pope, but protocol called for the voting process had to be completed.
Cardinal Prevost was then formally told that he had been elected and asked if he accepted the will of the gathered Cardinals.
Then came the one word: “Accepto.”
I found it a very powerful moment. This man was one of us; yet, to me, it was very clear that this was the work of the Holy Spirit. With that one word, he was prepared for his life to be dramatically changed. He knew that this was to be his way from then on – to give his life in love and in service, both to the Church and the wider world.
With humility and gratitude, he accepted a calling which meant that his whole life would be public and would never be the same again.
Pope Leo’s “accepto” calls us to pray for him and support him daily with our prayers. He is a man of deep holiness. Indeed, his knowledge of who he is in God’s eyes enabled him to make his acceptance response.
This was now a renewed response to the original invitation he heard from Jesus many years ago when he heard the call of Jesus: “Follow me.”
We will pray for him in every Mass that is celebrated, but please look for other ways to support him with your prayer as he faces what will be challenging decisions, but ones that he knows will be guided and driven by the Holy Spirit.
FULL STORY
