In October, when he was invited to join the College of Cardinals, Cardinal-elect Francis Leo said he would discern how this elevation could help him become an even better servant for the Archdiocese of Toronto and beyond.

Now, the day before the Dec. 7 Papal Consistory in St. Peter’s Square, when the Montreal native will join 20 other worldwide Catholic leaders in receiving a ring, zucchetto and biretta, Leo shared the conclusions he reached during an interview with The Catholic Register at the Canadian Pontifical College.

As cardinal, Leo plans on “incorporating the more universal dimension of the Church, and the Pope and his ministries” in his prayer life and preaching. He views his advancement as “an opportunity for me to underscore that aspect of the Church’s life.”

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Leo said he will have an even more comprehensive answer on how he can succeed on behalf of the Canadian Catholic community and believers everywhere once he learns the tasks and appointments he receives from Pope Francis.

Bishops Thomas Dowd of Sault Ste. Marie, Ron Fabbro of London and Daniel Miehm of Peterborough recently suggested to the Register that the Dicastery of Bishops, Dicastery of the Clergy and Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith would all be natural fits for Leo. Their confidence in the spiritual shepherd of Toronto being equipped to handle whatever role comes his way stems in large part from witnessing Leo in action as a collaborator. The 53-year-old was lauded as a responsive and organized leader when he served as General Secretary of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2015 to 2021. Now he is a valued colleague as a fellow Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario member.

When informed of his fellow bishops’ dicastery wish lists, Leo said he would embrace the opportunity to serve these departments of the Roman Curia.

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“All of the above,” said Leo. “I am a bishop and so the Dicastery of Bishops would be something that I am interested in. I’m a priest, and I have worked in priestly formation, so that is very dear to my heart. I taught theology so the doctrine of faith would be good.”

Though Leo has not contemplated on where he would like to be assigned, he offered the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints as a pathway that “he would like.” Members of this ministry examine and help judge all beatification and canonization cases.

“I think the world really needs role models, witnesses, the true heroes and heroines of the faith,." he said. “All of (the dicasteries) are important and I will say ‘yes’ to wherever I’m called to serve.”

While he awaits further instruction from the Bishop of Rome, Leo is cherishing the present moment alongside Catholic leaders from around the world, cherished colleagues, dear friends and beloved family members.  

The presence of his father Francesco is particularly special for Leo. This sojourn to Rome marks the first time in 71 years that the elder Leo has returned to his birthplace.

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“It is a very special moment that my family, and specifically my father, is experiencing,” said Leo. “Nobody was expecting this. He was very happy. Besides some health issues, which were dealt with, the doctors said he could travel. “Coming back to his homeland where he was born and raised is very important to him. I’m glad that he will be able to visit some family that he still has in the village. We are happy for him. This is a very important part of his life. He came (to Canada) in the 1950s like so many immigrants. They were trying to start over a new life, and with many of the challenges and difficulties immigrants face today as well.

“To be able to come full circle after years of hard work, and thinking of the family, the timing was right and God provided the occasion.”