Bishop Raimo will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for the election of the new pope on Friday, May 16 at 6 p.m. in St Henry’s Cathedral. Welcome!
The election of Pope Leo XIV has stirred positive feelings in the Catholic world. How did you receive the news?
The election of Leo XIV was a great joy for me. I had met him four times in the Vatican before his election, and each time he received me with warmth and closeness. He truly knows how to listen — attentively and with genuine interest. His questions make the conversation both natural and deep. He never seems rushed; on the contrary, it was I who eventually said I didn’t want to take up more of his time.
What personal impression did he leave on you during those meetings?
He is a good, simple, humble man — yet strong. He gave me very concrete advice on how to be a good bishop — advice that I believe applies to all Christians: a deep prayer life is essential, as is living the sacraments fully. It’s also important to be truly present and listen to everyone, just as Pope Francis has emphasized. I was also impressed by his organizational skills and his openness to others’ suggestions, especially during the formation week for new bishops that we took part in last year.
What significance do you see in the name he chose — Leo?
I was very glad that he chose the name Leo. It brings to mind Leo XIII, who already in his time addressed the effects of the industrial revolution — a topic still very relevant today. He led the Church from 1878 to 1903 and initiated the Catholic Church’s social teaching. In the encyclical Rerum Novarum, he defended workers’ rights and promoted a balanced society. He also encouraged the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas and dialogue with science. Though his political power was limited, his spiritual authority grew greatly. He also prescribed the Prayer to St. Michael to be said at the end of Mass.
The name also refers to Saint Leo the Great. He served as pope from 440 to 461 and defended the Christian faith, especially the doctrine of Christ’s two natures: true God and true man. His letter to Flavian had a decisive influence on the Council of Chalcedon. In 452, he confronted Attila the Hun and persuaded him to withdraw from Rome — an extraordinary spiritual and moral victory. He also strengthened the role of the pope as head of the universal Church and was known as a brilliant preacher. His Christmas homilies are still considered masterpieces. He was later proclaimed a Doctor of the Church.
Both popes named Leo were true “lions” [leo in Latin and leone in Italian means lion; editor’s note] in the faith — courageous, wise leaders in difficult times. They defended the Church in different centuries, but with the same heart and dedication.
Do you have a personal connection to Pope Leo? Are you familiar with his spirituality?
I studied in Bilbao at a school run by the Augustinians. I have a warm relationship with the Augustinians, so his election brought me double joy. He has visited the school once, but I was no longer there at the time. I also find it interesting that the reformer Martin Luther was originally an Augustinian. Perhaps it is precisely this Augustinian pope who can help bring us closer to visible unity with the Lutherans, especially now as we approach the 500th anniversary of the Confessio Augustana. It is a hope I carry in my heart.
How does this new chapter in the Church inspire you personally?
There is a lion statue in the garden of the bishop’s residence, and now it reminds me even more to pray for the pope. It brings to mind his presence, his mission — and at the same time my own responsibility as a bishop. This new moment calls all of us to a deeper spiritual life, and to a Church that is more united, more open, and more faithful in living the Gospel.
In his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he greeted us with the words of the Risen Jesus: “Peace be with you.” He spoke of a missionary Church that brings the Gospel to all. In his first homily to the cardinals, he asked the Lord Himself to be the central figure — that we might make space in our lives for Him to bring salvation to all. That is the Church’s mission.
Does the new Pope Leo XIV know about Finland?
Every time I’ve been with him, we’ve spoken about Finland. I’ve told him about our situation — that we are a small but growing local Catholic Church, facing pastoral and financial challenges. I’ve also spoken to him about the good ecumenical spirit in Finland, which is a real blessing. He listened to everything with great interest. So he knows quite a lot about Finland from firsthand sources.
Has he ever expressed a desire to visit Finland?
This past January, I invited him to Helsinki — to rest, and to see for himself the beauty of our local Church and the ecumenical atmosphere. He didn’t decline the invitation, so now that he is pope, I plan to remind him about it the next time we meet.
Let us all pray for Pope Leo.
Thank you for the interview, Bishop Raimo!
KATT