Dear Reader,
For the second time, Pope Leo XIV graces the cover of our magazine. May 8 marks the first anniversary of his election.
For most people, the man who appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s basilica that Thursday evening was a stranger. Pope Leo’s reserved nature has made him harder to get to know than was the case in 2013 with the less guarded Pope Francis, who made an immediate impression with bold gestures.
This month we look at ten things we have learned about the Holy Father in his first year, and what they may suggest about the future direction of his papacy.
Being present
One recurring theme this month is a virtue which both Popes Francis and Leo have emphasised strongly: presence and accompaniment. We see it in Philip Neri, our Saint of the Month, who modelled the ability to be prayerfully present without judgment — to listen, console, encourage, and when necessary to advocate and intervene for those who are suffering.
Our Lady of the Wayside, about whom we read on page 26, expresses this same truth in Marian form. She is the Mother who meets us on the road — not only at our destination, but in the uncertainty, danger and weariness of the journey itself. Mary’s presence is never passive. She accompanies, intercedes and remains close, reminding us that God does not abandon his people on the margins of life.
The shocking report of abuse of girls and young women in South Africa’s mining belt shows how presence works in practice. Religious Sisters are there, available to the abused. Their ministry reflects the Church’s call for us to be a sacrament of Christ’s compassion: not merely speaking about justice but also standing beside those who suffer.
Being present — simply being there — is itself a deeply Christian act. We know this from our own experience, when a family member or friend stood by us in a time of crisis, perhaps holding our hand or finding help when we could not. As Christians, we are called to be personally present to those in crisis, and collectively, as Church, to the exploited, oppressed, powerless, lonely, suffering, and so on..
A children’s movement
On page 8 we read about the arrival in South Africa of the global Children’s Rosary movement. It is in some ways a catechetical ministry, but with the twist that in some cases, it is the children who may instruct their parents in that most powerful of prayers. The colourful rosary that illustrates that article, incidentally, is from my personal collection, bought on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje.
A new digital world
On May 17, the Church marks the 60th World Day of Social Communications. One of the pressing issues facing us — and one that greatly concerns Pope Leo XIV — is the rise of artificial intelligence. It is true that AI can be a great aid in our daily and even professional lives. If you need to know how to unclog a drain or what aperture to use for a striking sunset photograph, AI will probably give you good advice.
However, on more subjective and interpretative matters, AI should be used with great caution — and sometimes best avoided altogether. This is certainly true when seeking guidance in matters of faith and morals, as we see in the article on chatbots that present themselves as “Jesus”.
Our quotes on the back-page address the ethics of digital media.
It is serendipitous timing that the publication of our profile on page 12of the veteran journalist Sydney Duval should coincide with the World Day of Social Communications. But the real occasion is his 90th birthday on May 4.
Sydney is more than a journalist. Over many decades, he raised many millions of rands for Church organisations through international funding agencies, with whom he maintained excellent contact. He has been a trusted aide, adviser and associate to a great many people who have worked with him in the service of the Lord and the Church. He truly is worthy of our headline, which borrows from Jesus (John 15:15) and speaks for many: We call him friend!
Thank you for reading The Southern Cross. Please tell your friends about your monthly Catholic magazine.
God bless,
Günther Simmermacher,
(Editor)
- Leo XIV, after one year - May 18, 2026
- Why No Pope Peter II? - May 5, 2026
- Shrines around the World: Our Lady of Pontevedra - May 4, 2026
