Describing the Papal Consistory that welcomed him and 20 other leaders of the Catholic Church into the College of Cardinals as “very profound” and “beautiful,” Cardinal Francis Leo of the Archdiocese of Toronto has deeply contemplated the prayers recited during the Dec. 7 ceremony in the Vatican.
“What does it mean,” pondered Leo during a joint interview with The Catholic Register and Salt + Light TV at the Canadian Pontifical College on Dec. 9. “It’s a ritual, a liturgy, but what’s its significance? The deep significance in the life of the Church and the witnessing of the Church in the world today. All of these thoughts came together, and interiorly renewing my own faith and my commitment to Christ and the Holy Mother Church to serve faithfully.”
The inspiration of Mother Mary was knitted close to the 53-year-old Montreal native’s heart during this weekend of both elevation and humility. A devout Marian with a degree in Mariology from the University of Dayton — he also co-founded the Canadian Mariological Society — Leo treasured the gift of his first Mass as cardinal-archbishop occurring on the Dec. 8 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
“It’s God saying, ‘I’m here and I’m here for you, I love you and I’m guiding you,’ ” said Leo. “I see her presence very strongly this week. Indications here and there of the gift that she is and her maternal care for me and the Church.”
Leo said he also felt the prayers of both the hundreds of pilgrims who accompanied him to Rome and his supporters back home in Canada. He also drew strength from being in Rome.
“We’re sharing the same faith with the apostles of Christ,” said Leo. “That is very touching. In the continuity of 2,000 years of the Church, of the Holy Spirit who is the soul of the Church enacted in the Church.”
Looking forward, Leo’s advancement into the cardinalate will be celebrated in Toronto, commencing with a special invite-only Mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica on Jan. 15. In late January and throughout February, liturgies and receptions will be held in the western, northern, central and eastern regions of the archdiocese.
The new Cardinal will also spiritually guide his flock throughout the 2025 Jubilee declared by Pope Francis. He anticipates that “the Lord wants to pour out generously into our hearts many graces — graces of conversion, graces that will deepen our faith, and graces of prayer, healing and liberation.”
Leo will inaugurate the year-long celebrations with a 5 p.m. Mass at St. Michael’s on Dec. 29. Many archdiocesan committees are planning a series of activities and celebrations at designated parishes.
Leo expressed his hope that the slate of festivities being devised will inspire Catholics to “rediscover the beauty of the sacrament of forgiveness.”
“Letting go of grudges, vendettas and living in the freedom of the true love of God,” said Leo. “We receive forgiveness to be able to be more forgiving to others.”
He added that Jubilee 2025 is also an opportunity to inspire greater attentiveness to the people around us suffering from “modern-day slaveries,” citing addictions as an example.
“May our (hearts) be even more sensitive to the needs of others,” said Leo. “Our eyes and hearts purify in seeing those who suffer, and even more the vulnerable persons of our community and how to reach out to them.”
Alluding to the many forces in society that can easily tempt people into despair, Leo wants Toronto Catholics to use this occasion to rededicate themselves to God’s call of being “people of great faith and hope.”
