The conversation was led by Christopher Lamb, Vatican Correspondent for CNN and Rev Erin Clark, the American-born Vicar of St Mary's Church Battersea. Erin, like Christopher, is a published author and both had books promoted after the event, including Christopher's new title 'American Hope' which looks ahead at Leo's pontificate. The conversation was chaired by Fr David O'Malley SDB from the Salesian Community in Battersea. What came out of this meeting?

In the light heaarted warm up at the start, a few polls were taken using red and green cards to signal a response of "yes" or "no". In that section some interesting things emerged from the gathered group: almost all the group had a cross in their home, slightly fewer had a bible. There was not a lot of enthusiasm for incense but there was a strong enthusiasm for the ordination of women deacons (close to 100%).

In the broad discussion from the panel, Christopher Lamb was able to give more detail about the conclave which elected Leo and an insight into the reasons why a Pope from the USA was now possible. Both speakers recognised the vital importance of Leo's time as a missionary with the poor and his practical approach to problem solving. They pointed out that Leo was a man who believed in steady progress and process and has an ability to draw people into unity rather than polarise issues. The Q & A session raised a wide range of issues from the present Iranian war, attitudes to LGBTQ, Catholic marriage discipline and the importance of youth as agents of change in the church.

We were fortunate to have Brendan Walsh, Editor of The Tablet, with us; and Rupert Shortt, Research Associate at the Von Hügel Institute, University of Cambridge, who was previously Religion Editor of The Times Literary Supplement. Also covering the event was Jo Siedlecka for ICN (Independent Catholic News). The event was focused on Pope Leo but was also ecumenical, underlining the worldwide reach of the Catholic Church and the growing closeness of Christian churches across the world. The importance of Catholic Social Teaching was emphasised as a practical bridge, building unity and hope. 

Fr David O'Malley SDB

• Title Title
•  

Tweet