Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service
With great joy, CHARIS joins the entire Universal Church in celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV. It was a moment of profound emotion to witness the white smoke and hear the bells of St. Peter’s, ringing out in Rome and in every corner of the world, announcing the arrival of our new Shepherd.
This joy that fills CHARIS is shared by the entire Church, for we see in the Bishop of Rome the synthesis of the hopes of the universal Church, united in fervent prayer. Some, our brother cardinals, gathered in the Conclave; others, the People of God, raising their prayers for the Holy Spirit to enlighten the electors.
The name chosen by the new Pontiff evokes the memory of Leo XIII, who responded to the insistent letters of Elena Guerra of the need to invoke the Holy Spirit upon the whole Church, whom she considered the great forgotten One. History reminds us how, listening to this call, Pope Leo XIII consecrated the 20th century to the Holy Spirit and asked the whole Church to celebrate a novena to the Holy Spirit between Ascension and Pentecost, thus beginning what Elena Guerra longed for: to implant the culture of Pentecost.
The simplicity and closeness we have observed in his first acts remind us of the fatherhood of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Robert Francis Prevost, now Leo XIV, is an Augustinian with a rich pastoral background. Born in Chicago, United States, he exercised his ministry for many years in Peru, (of which he is also a citizen) a country he considers his own. In 2023, he was called by Pope Francis to serve the Church from Rome as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
Our charismatic brothers in Chiclayo, where he was Bishop for a long time, testify to his open spirit and active participation in the initiatives presented to him.
The People of God and the entire Catholic Charismatic Renewal, which CHARIS has the privilege of serving, renew their hope and offer their fervent prayers for Pope Leo XIV’s Petrine ministry.
Long live the Church!
Pino Scafuro
CHARIS Moderator
