Amazing how the Holy Spirit works! Tune basics attributed to the excellent songwriter Mr Jim Croce and a bit of the style of Weird Al Yankovic..
(HAPPY 71st BIRTHDAY, POPE LEO XiV! May God’s blessings rest on you always)
New Birthday Verses:
Verse 11 71 years ago, born on the feast of the Holy Cross, we celebrate the Chicago priest who became the Vatican boss
he was baptized at Assumption, where the Prevost family prayed, but by 8th grade, his focus never strayed from the Augustinian way.
alternative birthday chorus: We’re glad glad Pope Leo was born, on a lazy hazy Wednesday morn (maybe afternoon or night? ask mom Mrs. P!)
still gladder than a kid on sweets. Joyful to all he meets
Verse 12 Leo’s birthdate we all should note, the True Cross was rescued one year, wrestled back from the Persian thieves and returned to Jerusalem we cheer! Emperor Heraclius brought it home you see. A whole lotta celebration May 3rd in 629 AD
(ok St Helen discovered the True Cross in 325AD, next the Persians had it until Emperor Heraclius brought it home May 3rd 629)
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Original Ballad verses 1-10
Verse 1: From the South side of Chicago // comes the holiest man around G // a7
Grew up at St Mary’s, we all Assume // Now he’s moved outta town B7 ~ C // D7~C~ G
He got elected to the top spot // of the Roman Catholic Church
Now he’s keen on the Holy See Scene // and we cheer for Da Pope of Peace…and Hope
G A7
chorus: “We’re glad… glad Pope’ Leo’s in town G // The gladdest priest on the Vatican grounds (B7) Gladder than a kid on sweets / Joyful to all he meets” d7 ~C ~G//
Verse2: Now Leo, he was a cardinal // fancy duds all topped in red G-A7 B7-C Today he’s dressed to the nines in white // humble and Spirit led (God bless him)
Verse3: He’s got a custom papalmobile // He’s got a halo helo too (Great Flyin’ machine) Peace he said… be with you old Jed // and all the rest of you (First Pope words!)
(like all the greats: Pope Saint John Paul the Great, the Mighty great St Pio, but of course Jesus IS the Greatest who first said Peace Be With You to the 12)
Verse4: He was born a Rob on Wednesday, (Holy Cross! Batman!) // a 14th of the month (AND his number) September he’s alive back in ’55 // in Chicago that’s no jive
Chorus: “We’re glad.. glad Pope Leo’s in town The raddist priest on the Vatican grounds B7Gladder than a kid on sweets / Joyful to all he meets” d7 ~C ~G// a Mary Lover no less…
Verse5: As the Marian 8th of May rolled in, // soon after Francis went home, black turned white such a smoky sight // the 14th, Leo now’s known
Our Pope of Peace or Leo // the Lover can’t you see? First American, & Peruvian // now VatiCAN, that makes three. ( like the Trinity!)
Chorus: “We’re glad… glad Leo’s in town The gladdest priest on the Vatican grounds a7 Gladder than a kid on sweets / Joyful to all he meets” d7 ~C ~G//
(OK! what say you, Sox or Cubbies? Come on people, who does our new Pope Leo favor? White SOX!! but first some somber news)
(go to minor key)
Verse 6: The Sox started season 24 at 3 & 22 (oh my!) // but now their most famous fan says “lets pray… and hope for the sky… (more wins. miracles happen)
A new jersey is seen at White Sox Field and Leo14 is named // Look out Cubbies with DA Pope in the Box, you better be on your game. Chorus Glad Glad etc
A new jersey is seen at White Sox Field and Leo14 is named // Look out Cubbies with DA Pope in the Box, you better be on your game. Chorus Glad Glad etc
Verse7: Latin seems to be in the news: In illo Uno unum we are in the one A lingua Latinem motto, my friends, to signal what’s to come Sooooo…
It’s all about the Eucharist, // a new Renaissance unfolds. Revival with the newest Leo 1~3// and 14th Leo IS BOLD!
Verse 8: My Chicago cousin Nancy wouldn’t lie says Aurelio’s tastes the best! Pizza, prayer and peace can work well with Mary, her Son and the rest
Verse 9 Our pope called his Windy City banker but the teller didn’t believe a word
It’s not everyday with your brother’s say, da lady hangs up on you.
Customer service wasn’t pranked, real address please know
Leo lives at Vatican City double ought 1 2 O
(wait until he calls back with a name change! from Robert to Leo!!)
Verse 10. (Now) Leo’s has come full circle as Galileo telescoped to all.
He’s proven to be Augustinian, you see, a peacemaker standing tall.
As wars and war rumors fill the papes & airwaves too.
Maybe the 47 yr Demon-Persian terror will end in Leo’s year two. or three or…evil never gives up but grace ABOUNDS much more
LAST CHORUS?!..Let’s wind this up “We’re glad… glad pope Leo’s our man The raddist bishop across the world’s great lands
Gladder than a kid on sweets / Joyful to all he meets” and greets… ty Jesus for Leo and peace be with you ALL!
copyright 2025& 2026 The Eucharistic Renaissance is here
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Len Beckman Quick bio: Dad of 11 kids <> 20 Hens <> 22 now 23 now 24grandkids…and counting Totally blessed in so many ways
Comments? Lenbeckman@gmail.com 714 267 1413
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