Wisdom Wednesday | May 21st

A prayer for the unity of “A single melody” leads Wisdom Wednesday today, from Pope Leo XIV. “Accompanied by your prayers, we could feel the working of the Holy Spirit, who was able to bring us into harmony, like musical instruments, so that our heartstrings could vibrate in a single melody.” A wide range of topics is available this week, about our new pope and about the various linkages among faith, politics and society. Opinions as always are the responsibility of the writers.

Pope Leo XIV

Inside the conclave: How the Americas paved the way to Pope Leo XIV, according to an article from Religion News Service. “A quiet alliance between North and South American cardinals helped elect the first US-born pope.”

“The election of an American Pope, the first American Pope … there’s a signal here that the church is taking a side in what’s happening around the globe,” said Steven Millies, a professor at Catholic Theological Union. From Religion News Service.

What Pope Leo XIV’s coat of arms and motto reveal about his dedication to the ideals of St. Augustine − an art historian explains for Religion News Service. In choosing his motto and coat of arms, Leo uses the identifying symbol of Augustine, a heart pierced by an arrow.

Analysis: Francis’ papacy honored Latin American Catholics killed for their social justice work, a theologian explains – and Leo may continue that legacy. From Religion News Service.

Why Everyone’s Talking About ‘Rerum Novarum’ Again. Commentary from National Catholic Register: A pope named Leo, a world in flux, and a Church seeking direction — the landmark 1891 social encyclical rises to meet the moment.

Commentary: “A pope in muddy boots.” From Earthbeat, a project of National Catholic Reporter. Viral photos of Leo XIV reveal a history of pastoral care

Commentary: ‘The pope is Peruvian!’ How two decades in South America shaped the vision of Pope Leo XIV. From Religion News Service.

Commentary: Long before his election, Pope Leo XIV was reflecting on authority, obedience and communion. His 1987 doctoral dissertation offers a striking preview of the leadership now unfolding. From the National Catholic Register.

Analysis: The world is still getting to know Pope Leo XIV, and that includes where he stands on environmental issues like climate change. Even with few details, environmentalists both within and outside the Catholic Church seem optimistic. Before he was pope, Leo XIV said it’s time for action on climate change. From Earthbeat.

Justice Bulletin Board. Barbara Molinari Quinby reflects on the Canticle of Creation.

A gift article from The New York Times, forwarded by AUSCP friend Bob Stewart. You can read it for free without a subscription. “How Father Bob Became Pope Leo.”

Bishops on Trump’s advisory board

Bishop Thomas Paprocki, Bishop Kevin Rhoades, and Father Thomas Ferguson will join an advisory board for President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, according to a statement from the White House. They will join San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone on the board. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota — are serving on the commission itself. From National Catholic Register.

Prayers for previous president

The Wilmington Diocese, politicians urge prayers for Joe Biden amid cancer diagnosis. From the Catholic News Agency.

Africa-EU relations

Catholic bishops call for mutual respect, environmental justice in Africa-EU relations, according to a report from Religion News Service. African and European bishops say European leaders are prioritizing their own countries’ benefits from African land deals, ahead of creating a system that is equitable and positive for African communities.

Episcopal Church refuses to resettle white Afrikaners

“In light of our church’s steadfast commitment to racial justice and reconciliation and our historic ties with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, we are not able to take this step,” the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church said in a letter, reported by Religion News Service

Politics and Religion

Forced out of his pulpit weeks after Trump’s election, he’s starting his own church. Religion News Service reports the decision of Ben Boswell who promises his new church will “dismantle systems of oppression and create justice, equity and freedom for everybody — for all people.”

Pilgrimages are popular

Religious pilgrimages are arguably enjoying a level of popularity today that hasn’t been seen since medieval times when peasants and noblemen alike set out for shrines and holy places, on penitential journeys, to seek miraculous cures and indulgences, as well as for adventure and an escape from village life. From National Catholic Register.

Tornado hits St. Louis

A mile-wide tornado tore through the northern part of St. Louis on Friday, causing over $1.6 billion in damage and leaving at least five people dead, including a woman who was killed when the steeple of a Christian church collapsed on her. From Catholic News Agency.

Vatican offers to host Russia-Ukraine talks

President Donald Trump said Monday that following a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia and Ukraine will “immediately” begin ceasefire negotiations, with the Vatican possibly hosting the talks.

Christian University escapes multi-million dollar fine

The U.S. Department of Education has dismissed with prejudice an unprecedented $37.7 million fine against the largest Christian university in the United States following a years-long legal battle. From the Christian Post.

A personal crusade

“I was sworn to silence after female genital mutilation.” A personal opinion article from Baptist News Global, by A. Renee Bergstrom.

Book Reviews

Is slavery integral to Augustine’s theology? Toni Alimi and Matthew Elia each make the case that it is. Their books demand a reckoning, according to the review published by the Christian Century.