Episode 3065: A New Pope (Leo 14th) and the Apparition of St. Michael - Morning Episode

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Book Recommendation of the Day
Michael the Archangel: Life and Apparitions to Date by Albert J. Hebert
This comprehensive work explores various apparitions of St. Michael throughout history, including the significant events at Monte Gargano. Hebert's account provides detailed narratives and theological insights into these divine interventions.
A New Pope and the Apparition of St. Michael
Welcome, dear listeners, to this blessed and historic episode of CR. Today is Thursday of the Third Week after Easter in the traditional Roman calendar, and also the Feast of the Apparition of Saint Michael the Archangel a powerful commemoration rooted in centuries of heavenly intercession and divine protection.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment as the first American to ascend to the papacy in the Catholic Church's 2,000-year history.

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost is of French, Italian, and Spanish descent. He completed his secondary education at the minor seminary of the Order of St. Augustine in 1973 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Villanova University in 1977 .
In 1977, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in Saint Louis, making his solemn vows in 1981. He pursued theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, obtaining a Master of Divinity degree. Furthering his education, he earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome
Missionary Work and Leadership in Peru
Prevost dedicated a significant portion of his ministry to Peru, serving as a missionary from 1985 to 1986 and from 1988 to 1998. During this time, he worked as a parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary teacher, and administrator. His deep commitment to the Peruvian people led him to become a naturalized citizen of Peru .
In 2001, he was elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order, a position he held until 2013. Following this, he was appointed as the Apostolic Administrator and later the Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, serving from 2014 to 2023 .
Service in the Vatican
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, entrusting him with the crucial role of overseeing the selection of new bishops worldwide. That same year, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals. His leadership extended to serving as the President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, reflecting his deep ties to the region .
Election as Pope Leo XIV
On May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis, the College of Cardinals convened for the papal conclave. Prevost was elected on the fourth ballot of the second day, securing the required two-thirds majority. He chose the papal name Leo XIV, paying homage to previous popes named Leo who had significant historical impact.
In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV emphasized peace, dialogue, and unity. He spoke in both Italian and Spanish, reflecting his multicultural background and extensive missionary work in Latin America .
Personal Attributes and Vision
Pope Leo XIV is multilingual, fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, and has reading proficiency in Latin and German . His papal motto, "In illo uno unum" ("In the one Christ we are one"), underscores his commitment to unity within the Church.
As the first American pope, his election represents a significant shift towards a more global and inclusive Church leadership. His extensive experience in Latin America and alignment with the reforms initiated by Pope Francis suggest a continuation of efforts to address issues such as clerical sexual abuse, support for the marginalized, and the promotion of social justice .

And today, we rejoice with the Universal Church at the news that a new pope has been elected, chosen by Divine Providence on this very feast day, under the banner of St. Michael Heaven’s Prince, guardian of the Church, and defender against the wickedness of the devil.
What could be more symbolic and hopeful than to have a new Vicar of Christ chosen on the very day that commemorates Heaven's visible intervention in defense of the faithful?
Epistle Reading: 1 Peter 2:11–19
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, to refrain yourselves from carnal desires which war against the soul... For this is thankworthy: if for conscience towards God, a man endure sorrows, suffering wrongfully."
Reflection:
St. Peter exhorts us to live as strangers and pilgrims in this world echoing the same spirit that fills today’s sacred history. Our earthly journey must be one of virtue, sacrifice, and visible holiness so that even the world may glorify God by our witness.
As we reflect on this reading in the light of today’s momentous election, we are reminded that our new Holy Father must likewise be a pilgrim of virtue, chosen not to engage in the politics of man but to uphold the Kingdom of God. The faithful around the world must now offer unceasing prayers that he will govern not with compromise or novelty, but with the fire of apostolic zeal and the clarity of Tradition.
Gospel Reading: John 16:16–22
"You shall lament and weep, but the world shall rejoice: and you shall be made sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy... So also you now indeed have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice: and your joy no man shall take from you."
Reflection:
Our Lord’s words pierce with tenderness and hope. Just as the Apostles sorrowed at His Passion only to rejoice at His Resurrection, so too has the faithful remnant wept in recent years watching the barque of Peter tossed amidst confusion, error, and scandal.
Yet today, a shaft of light has broken through. The appearance of St. Michael at Mount Gargano, honored on this feast, was a sign of spiritual battle and divine victory. The election of a pope on this same day is no coincidence. It is a sign to the faithful: Heaven has not abandoned us.
Let us now intercede for our new Holy Father: that his reign will be marked by fidelity to the Deposit of Faith, courage against modernism, love for the Traditional Mass, and an unwavering commitment to Christ the King not the opinions of the age.
Feast Day of May 8:
The Apparition of St. Michael the Archangel
Commemorated since the 6th century, this feast recalls the miraculous appearance of St. Michael at Monte Gargano in Italy, where he designated a cave as a sacred place under his protection. This powerful devotion was later reinforced with his intercession at the Battle of the Lombards and the plague in Rome.
St. Michael is the Church’s divine protector especially in times of crisis and leadership transition.
How fitting it is that today, of all days, a successor to Peter is chosen under his mantle.
Quotes and Themes of the Day:
• “Who is like God?” — St. Michael's very name is a rebuke to pride and a rallying cry for humility and obedience.
• “The Church will always have need of the strong protection of Michael.” — Pope Leo XIII
• "Fear God. Honor the King." — 1 Peter 2:17
These words resound today not only as Scripture but as a command to every Catholic: pray, fast, and support your new spiritual father but only in so far as he serves Christ the King.
Concluding Prayer:
O Glorious St. Michael,
Defender of the Church, Protector of the Vicar of Christ, and Prince of the Heavenly Host, we praise you on this sacred feast of your apparition. With joyful hearts, we thank the Eternal Father for giving us a new shepherd to guide the Church in these tumultuous times.
Intercede for him, O Michael, that he may lead with holiness, uphold the traditions handed down by the Apostles, and bring clarity where there has been confusion.
We beg you, safeguard the barque of Peter and inspire this new pontiff to act not for worldly acclaim but for the reign of Christ the King.
We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.
Amen.
St. Michael the Archangel — pray for us.
Mary, Mother of the Church — pray for us.
St. Peter — pray for us.
Thank you for joining us on this momentous episode. Let us go forward in peace, vigilant in prayer, and firm in our hope that Christ the King reigns and His reign is not of this world, but will triumph over it.