We will determine Pope Leo’s legacy.

Each Pope decides their own actions, but we, the people, determine how they’re received and remembered.

Will we be quick to scalp our father’s head for the slightest confusing remark, or will we remain stabilized in Christ’s peace? Will we celebrate his wonderful speeches, or write them off as “part of the job?” Will we call him a “bad pope” when we disagree with his politics, or will we trust that there’s more to the task of being a shepherd than what social media captures?

This doesn’t mean that we ought to excuse his mistakes and pretend his sins aren’t truly sins, or even graciously question if his words and decisions for the church will be the most effective.

But as followers of Christ, we need to err on the side of grace.