A spirit of gratitude radiated out of Toronto's new Cardinal Francis Leo — as vivid as the red cassock adorning him — as he entered a Dec. 7 reception at the Spazio Vittoria event space several hours after being elevated to the College of Cardinals.

The first faces to greet him were his beloved Italian cousins. In a visual that evoked “let the little children come to me,” some of his youngest familial relations rushed toward him for a celebratory hug.

Following many handshakes, selfie photos and warm, brief conversations with Papal Consistory attendees, Leo took to the stage to deliver his first remarks as the new Cardinal-Archbishop of Canada’s most populous Catholic community.

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The new counsellor for Pope Francis offered specific gratitude to the Supreme Pontiff for his “goodness to Toronto,” whom Leo calls “his spouse” for bestowing the gift of the cardinalate onto the city for a fifth time.

Leo then illuminated the attendees about how he has spent time since the Oct. 6 red hat call trying to grasp “the depth of this role, the theological, spiritual, pastoral and social implications” and how it would alter his life and ministry.

“The weight of this ecclesial responsibility is enormous, given the weakness and woundedness of our human nature,” said Leo. “But I rely on the grace of Christ, and on the intercessory prayer of Our Lady and of the other members of God's holy people to live up to this vocation within God Himself and with sincerity, strength and humility.”

Basking in the afterglow of the majesty on display at the Vatican, members of the Archdiocese of Toronto consistory delegation expressed confidence that the Montreal native will live up to the enormity of his new role.

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Fr. Scott Birchall, a director of philosophy and pastoral formation at Serra House, commended Leo for “being a loving father with a pastoral heart who cares for the people and diocese.” He anticipates that Leo will continue his success in spurring more interest in religious vocations. The fact that 17 men enrolled at St. Augustine’s Seminary is a significant promising development.

Dr. Colin Saldanha, a Mississauga-based physician who was instrumental in organizing the 45th Annual Cardinal’s Dinner last month, extolled Leo for “his humility (that) is exceptional.” The Lieutenant of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem’s presence in Toronto said the cardinalship can open the door to promising opportunities.

“Obviously when you are a cardinal people pay more attention and you have that gravitas of influence,” said Saldanha, who was bestowed a Papal Knighthood upon joining his order in 2014. “I think that he will bring that to his role as archbishop. 

"And I think he understands the plight of Christians in the Holy Land,” continued Saldanha. “He has been in the diplomatic service. He understands the breadth and the knowledge of what Christians are going through around the world who are being persecuted. This is yet an opportunity to support the works and be the voice of the Christians in the Holy Land.”

Rajiv Veerasuntharam, a second-generation Canadian living in Toronto, praised “the very moving experience” of the Papal Consistory and expressed pride as a Toronto Catholic that his community’s “own archbishop was being recognized for his dedication and religious life.”

Conservative MP Michael Barrett engaged in multiple conversations with Leo during the reception. In addition to relaying to the Register that he is grateful to represent his country and His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, the Catholic politician said Leo’s rather youthful age of 53 portends that he can make an enduring impact.

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“I think that for Canada it is important that we have the perspective, experience and vision of someone young,” said Barrett. “This presents an opportunity. Cardinal Leo has said that it is important to listen to young people — truly listen and find out where they are at. I think that is important to keep young people in the Church and also to attract people to the Church as well.”

A final highlight of the reception was the gold-embroidered depiction of the Immaculate Mary gifted to Leo following his remarks by a local Italian artist.