The selection of Pope Leo XIV is encouraging because of his call for missionary outreach, building bridges of understanding and identification with ordinary people. Leo can call for peace and justice, seek harmony among leaders and invite people to faith in God. He understands the encroachment of world values on those who seek to be faithful. In the context of power, wealth and technology, Leo accurately said that some see the Christian faith as “absurd.” But without faith, Leo stated, comes a loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, violations of human dignity and many other wounds. When the Vatican announced his selection, the world slowed to consider matters of faith. For a time, the news cycles focused on faith, equity and human dignity. These give us hope.

Recently, Anabaptist leaders from 16 countries met in Cusco, Peru, to mark the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism. Indigenous congregations from Peru and Ecuador participated. Pope Leo has long been a missionary in Peru. We applaud his missionary spirit. May God bless his holy work.

Elwood Yoder, Harrisonburg, Va.