Father Louland Escabusa, CICM
We have a new pope, and he is a Seagull!
For those who followed the papal conclave, we knew the anticipation was palpable, with excitement and tension running high and low. But we were not alone in the ordeal—we found an unassuming companion, a seagull.
Perched near the chimney that signals whether a new pope has been chosen or not, the bird offered a quiet consolation, a sense of depth, and a reminder of life in an otherwise inanimate scene. Its reassuring presence—a cheerful watcher amid anticipation—offered both solace and unexpected entertainment.
In a moment charged with excitement and tension, the sight of them perched near the chimney became a curious distraction, and a gentle reminder of life’s simple yet profound mysteries. It is almost like paid actors, flawlessly playing their role—appearing just as the camera focuses on the chimney in hopeful anticipation.
Sometimes alone, at other times in pairs, and finally on the fourth and last round, the pair brought with them a baby seagull. Their presence and screen time lingered just long enough for us to contemplate its purpose.
Vatican City lies approximately 66km from the nearest coastline, on the Tyrrhenian Sea. A journey by car or train takes about an hour. I do not know if the bird is a regular pilgrim at the Vatican or if they merely stopped by to witness this historic milestone not just for the Church, but for the whole world. Experience shows that during the conclave when Pope Francis was elected, a seagull also perched on a prime spot, on the chimney itself!
For those who followed the papal conclave, we knew the anticipation was palpable, with excitement and tension running high and low
In my philosophy and working years, I remember reading Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach, first published in 1970. It tells the story of Jonathan, a seagull passionate about flying—one who seeks mastery beyond the basic survival instincts of his flock. The book explores themes of freedom, self-discovery, and transcendence, making it a deeply philosophical and inspirational work.
While the Holy Spirit is traditionally represented as a dove, I guess this time, it took the form of a seagull. As we prayed for guidance at the start of the conclave, the seagull was there to frolic around the chimney even before the first black smoke billowed up to the sky. Its appearance signalled the need to pay attention and to trust the unfolding path.
When at the last part, the pair brought their baby, cheers from the ground gradually built up, it was like showing to the young that something important was about to happen and that the young should be there to witness it. The three around the chimney was almost a sure sign that the white smoke would soon come out. When it did, it was both beautiful and moving to see them in the background. What a great sign of renewal and care for the vulnerable!
Seagulls carry profound spiritual symbolism, often tied to freedom, transition, and resilience. Their ability to soar effortlessly over land and sea reflects spiritual liberation and transcendence, urging individuals to embrace their journey without fear.
While the Holy Spirit is traditionally represented as a dove, I guess this time, it took the form of a seagull. As we prayed for guidance at the start of the conclave, the seagull was there to frolic around the chimney even before the first black smoke billowed up to the sky. Its appearance signalled the need to pay attention and to trust the unfolding path
In many traditions, seagulls are seen as messengers, delivering guidance from the divine. Some Native American tribes viewed seagulls as symbols of vision and clarity from the spiritual world to those seeking guidance. In Norse traditions, seagulls were believed to guide lost souls to the afterlife.
While seagulls are not traditionally linked to Chinese mythology or folklore, birds in general are often viewed as messengers or symbols of freedom. Their presence near water also connects them to themes of balance and adaptability, which align with Taoist principles.
The dual nature of seagulls—thriving in both water and air—represents balance, reminding us to remain adaptable amid life’s shifting circumstances. They also symbolise resourcefulness and survival, urging us to harness inner strength in navigating challenges.
And now, Habemus Papam in the person of Robert Francis Prevost, from now called Pope Leo XIV. “Peace be with all of you,” were his first words as pope.
“This is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for God’s flock… an unarmed and disarming peace, humble and persevering. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally. We still have in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed Rome!”
Pope Leo XIV is one among us, being a missionary and religious; having a strong background in missionary work
Pope Leo XIV is one among us, being a missionary and religious; having a strong background in missionary work. As he expressed gratitude to Pope Francis, he urged us all to “help one another in building bridges—through dialogue, through encounter—uniting as one people, always ian peace.”
Not only does his second name, “Francis”, that of his predecessor, but his first papal message already reflects the path he is destined to follow, with a stress on Pope Francis’ legacy.
But his papacy will not only be a continuation of a legacy. Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name is deeply symbolic and signals his commitment to social justice. Like a seagull that symbolises transition, his choice of name is a statement and a shift.
By selecting Leo XIV, he is likely referencing Pope Leo XIII, who was known for his advocacy of workers’ rights and economic justice in the late 19th century. Leo XIII’s encyclical, Rerum Novarum, laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching, addressing labour rights, fair wages, and economic inequality—issues born from the Industrial Revolution still rampant today.
These social and economic struggles continue to challenge humanity across the globe, including in Peru, where the new pope served as a missionary and was known for his deep commitment to unity and peace. A confrere and a close friend commented in jest, that in Pope Leo XIV, we would expect a Church to have a “Re-run Novarum”.
By selecting Leo XIV, he is likely referencing Pope Leo XIII, who was known for his advocacy of workers’ rights and economic justice in the late 19th century. Leo XIII’s encyclical, Rerum Novarum, laid the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching…
We were all praying for a new pope, one that is holy and faithful; a true leader and a Good Shepherd, and perhaps maybe a seagull.
I could hope for Pope Leo XIV to be a seagull! Well, seagulls may not be expert in catching fish like kingfishers do, but they have their own clever way of getting a fish for a meal. The first pope was a fisherman, and all who came after him tried to answer the call of Jesus to be “fishers of men.”
A pope, much like a seagull, is wise on ways on how to “catch fish”. We pray for the pope to embody resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering presence in times of change; a pope that navigates with grace the shifting winds of faith and the tossing waves of the society, soaring above challenges while remaining deeply connected to the people below.
Like the seagull that thrives in both vast oceans and urban landscapes, I pray for the new pope that bridges the sacred and the secular, the powerful and weak; offering wisdom and stability in witnessing to the gospel in the ever-changing world. That his voice be a comfort and a source of joy to those who hear it; that it carries a cry like that seabird, of those who are not listened to and those who are in pain; a voice that is calling humanity toward reflection, unity, and purpose.
I pray for the new pope to lead us to harness our inner strength in navigating challenges, both in our life of faith and in our life in general.
May the seagull’s instinct for survival mirror the new pope’s ability to find light in the darkest moments, reminding us of hope and renewal—like the baby seagull appearing just before the emergence of the white smoke.
Like a seagull who finds ways, I hope for a pope that could lead us to the wellspring of hope, faith, and love; and helps us understand that the greatest of which is love. I hope for a new pope whose mere presence—like the seagull perched near the chimney—is already a profound message.
Whether standing at the heights of the Vatican or moving among the crowds, may Pope Leo’s presence—like that of the bird—become a symbol of endurance, transcendence, and spiritual freedom, inspiring us to embrace our own journey as pilgrims of hope, without fear.
