Filipino Catholics hope Pope Leo XIV to promote unity, communion | ABS-CBN

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Filipino Catholics hope Pope Leo XIV to promote unity, communion

Filipino Catholics hope Pope Leo XIV to promote unity, communion

Agatha Gregorio,

ABS-CBN News

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Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost arrives on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025. Alberto Pizzoli, AFP/fileNewly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost arrives on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025. Alberto Pizzoli, AFP/file

MANILA — Some Filipino Catholics expect and hope that Pope Leo XIV, then Rev. Fr. Robert Francis Prevost OSA, to spread a message of unity and communion in his papacy.

For Fr. Peter Casiño of the Order of Saint Augustine, who had met the pope before, it is possible Pope Leo XIV will promote harmonious relationships at home.

"As an Augustinian, I think he will promote the value of communion. So ibig sabihin ng communion, kasi puwedeng you live together in one house, pero hindi maganda 'yung relationship ninyo. So 'pag sinabing communion, you live together, and then you have a harmonious relationship," Casiño told ABS-CBN News on Saturday.

Pope Leo XIV is the first Augustinian pope, as well as the first coming from the United States.

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Casiño shared he met the new pope more than once, having been present when then Fray Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, conducted a blessing at the Seminario San Agustin.


Prevost is also someone who "does not call attention to himself," according to Casiño, with a simplicity that can be somewhat likened to that of Pope Francis.

Talking about his impression of then Fray Prevost, Casiño said, "He was just very ordinary. You could not see anything special in him. And kumbaga 'yung— he does not call attention to himself. 'Yung 'pag nandiyan siya, hindi mo naman siya mapapansin kahit siya 'yung ano namin—prior general at the time. Parang low-key na tao."

Casiño added that when he was able to converse with the pope alongside other priests during his time in Africa, Pope Leo XIV promoted kindness.

"Nagkukuwentuhan kami doon lang sa steps nung tinitirhan namin [...] Sabi niya maging mabuti kami sa mga kasamahan namin," the priest from San Agustin Church - Immaculate Conception Parish added.

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Prevost was elected pope on Thursday, May 8, becoming the 267th pontiff.

CHURCHGOERS WEIGH IN ON NEW POPE 

There was some surprise over the new pope among churchgoers at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Manila.

"Siyempre, unang—hindi rin ako makapaniwala na from—hindi Italian 'yung ano, pero happy din at meron na tayong bagong Pope kahit na maaga tayong nilisan ni Pope Francis. As a Catholic, siyempre, kailangan talaga natin ng leader na maasahan," Jem Borres, a visitor at the church said.

Some Catholics also expect Pope Leo XIV to be open to speak with world leaders over pressing issues such as climate change.

"For now, sa current events, I guess baka manawagan siya sa mga iba-ibang bansa na try to be more humanitarian—aid for example. And then mag-ask din sa mga world leaders na pag-usapan 'yung mga, for example, climate change," Tres Libanan, another church visitor said.

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Looking back on the previous papacy, Casiño shared he hopes Pope Leo XIV would not face heavy criticism as Pope Francis did from some bishops in the US seen as more conservative.

"Sana hindi siya masyadong naba-bash kasi hindi talaga naintindan natin ano talaga 'yung trabaho ng pope—kung anong nasa loob talaga nung mga nandoon sa ano—mga kausap niya. Ganoon. Hindi siya masyadong nami-misinterpret," Casiño said.

When asked about whether or not Pope Francis received heavy backlash, Casiño replied,  "Oo, sa previous pope lalo na galing sa conservative US bishops. Minsan parang ayaw nila doon kay Pope Francis [...] Sana 'yung mga cardinals, magkaroon din sila ng harmony."

Another Filipino churchgoer, Tess Oliveros, remarked there is some divisiveness in the Catholic Church. But she hopes this would be fixed in Pope Leo XIV's papacy.

"Of course, I want the church united. We have problems. We are divided. Unified. Unite. He could do something about that," Oliveros said.

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