Papa Luciani, in his homily for his installation as Pope on September 3, 1978, drew a distinction between presiding over the Apostolic See and service to it. He notes that “presiding in charity is service.”
He quotes St. Leo the Great (Sermon V, 4-5: Pl. 54, 155-156) in saying that he, the Pope, serves rather than presides over the Roman See, and then immediately says his presiding is done in charity, which is service.
His entire homily can be read at the Vatican’s website: www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_i/homilies/documents/hf_jp-i_hom_03091978_en.html
What a remarkable statement for a pope to make. He serves and his service is his presidency. The pope is the servant of all.
John Paul I in his installation homily, which I was privileged to hear a few yards away, drew from his diaconal identity and associated it with his episcopal/papal responsibilities.
Let us deacons take this to heart. We serve all others, and when done is charity, we exercise the shared authority given us by our bishops.
The heart of the diaconate.
