Re: “Pope Leo XIV offers message of unity for polarized Catholic Church as pontificate officially starts” (May 17, Nation & World):
The news of his election was electrifying, and the new pope’s comments haven’t let us down. His 19th-century predecessor Leo XIII wrote Rerum Novarum, “Of New Things,” ushering in the era of social justice encyclicals.
From calling for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, to affirming free speech, to offering to help mediate in the world’s wars, Pope Leo XIV, a fellow American, lifts our hearts and spirits. I hope he will be as outspoken as Pope Francis about the immorality of possessing nuclear weapons and will take steps to restore the practice of having women in the diaconate. This deacon would welcome it!
Deacon Denny Duffell, Seattle, regional coordinator, Pax Christi Northwest
