Pre-story:  I’m personally thankful for several scripture passages that teach “the priesthood of the believer” such as, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself–a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6 And, “you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1Peter 2:5.  We do not have to pray to a human priest or have some human religious representative bare our prayers to heaven.  We can “boldly approach God’s throne of grace” in prayer because we pray “in Jesus name”.

Story: The new leader of the Catholic Church is the first to hail from the US of A.

After the Sistine Chapel’s smoke burned black a week ago Wednesday night and Thursday morning, the chimney finally billowed white around 6 p.m. Vatican time May 8th, meaning the 133 voting cardinals had chosen the 267th pope.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, who chose the papal name Leo XIV, was born in Chicago and ordained an Augustinian priest in 1982 before serving as a missionary and eventually a bishop in Peru. Two years ago, Pope Francis made him a cardinal and brought him to the Vatican to run the office that selects and manages bishops globally.

In his first statements—given in Italian and Spanish—Pope Leo said “peace be with you all,” gave honor to his predecessor, and emphasized the need to build bridges.

Though we do not recognize the Pope as authority for Baptist evangelicalism, the occasion of choosing a new pope is a great opportunity for us to commit to praying for all of our leaders, local and global. May God grant wisdom to all who lead His people.

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

God bless you & may we regularly pray for all those in authority, Pastor Larry