With the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, college football coaching icon Lou Holtz shared a heartfelt message aimed at Catholics worldwide.
Holtz expressed his lifelong dedication to Catholicism, noting he has served as an altar boy. He encouraged both Americans and global followers to support Pope Leo as he assumes his role within the Church.
“I’m an old man. I’ve been Catholic my whole life. I learned about the way a Pope is chosen: the white smoke, the black smoke,” Holtz stated. “But the truth is, you never truly know a Pope; he holds a unique role. It’s essential to respect him, pray for him, and heed his guidance, especially concerning religious matters.”
“I hope this Pope will prove to be very good. I believe we must protect, encourage, and pray for him,” he added.
Holtz also pointed out that many individuals may not be adequately supporting the Church today, which might stem from disillusionment with previous Papal decisions.
“The Church has the same responsibilities as any other institution. So regardless of personal feelings towards the Pope, he is our Pope. Respect, prayer, and compassion are necessary,” he continued.
“It’s crucial we support the Pope, whether or not we personally agree with him. I pray for the decisions he will make and have been fortunate to meet two Popes in my lifetime.” Holtz noted how he relies on the Pope’s prayers for him, believing those prayers influence the good of the country.
Since Cardinal Robert Prebble was appointed as the first American Pope last week, there’s been significant interest in his leadership.
His brother, Louis Prevost, refuted claims about Pope Leo potentially following in the late Pope Francis’s footsteps regarding progressive agendas. He described Leo as pragmatic and unaligned politically, noting, “He approaches the landscape with a balanced viewpoint, striving to find common ground without causing much disruption.”
Still, Prevost recognized Leo’s previous criticisms of former President Donald Trump’s policies during the immigration debates.
Overall, there’s a sense of anticipation and curiosity surrounding Pope Leo XIV’s leadership as many await to see his impact on the Church.
