When Cardinal Francis Arinze Became A Cardinal, Pope Leo XIV Was A 29-Year-Old Augustinian Missionary Priest In Peru

When Cardinal Francis Arinze received the red biretta from Pope St. John Paul II on 25 May 1985, the man who is now Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost) was not yet a bishop, not yet a cardinal, and certainly not a candidate for the papacy. He was a 29-year-old Augustinian priest, serving as a missionary in Peru, quietly preaching the Gospel and forming communities. 

Forty-one years later, history offers us a remarkable scene. The young missionary has become the Successor of St. Peter, and the Nigerian cardinal, whose faithful service has inspired generations, stands before him with the same humility that has marked his entire priesthood.

This is the beauty of the Catholic Church. Popes come and go. Cardinals are created, bishops retire, priests are ordained, and new generations rise. Yet the Church remains one, united not by personalities but by Christ Himself.

Yesterday's young missionary is today's Pope. Yesterday's newly created cardinal is today's revered elder prince of the Church. Both continue to serve the same Lord, the same Gospel, and the same Church.

History changes but Christ does not, because "Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) 

Rev fr Prince Chidi Philip