I want to extend my prayerful best wishes to Pope Leo XIV, the successor to St. Peter and Vicar of Christ. This is a historical and spiritual moment for the Catholic Church, and for the Church in America as he is the first pope born in the United States. The process of choosing the Holy Father was done with prayer and discernment by the cardinal electors who were led by the Holy Spirit. I rejoice in their decision, and I am filled with hope for the future of the Catholic Church.
I believe Pope Leo XIV will build on the ministry of his predecessors. In his first greeting as Supreme Pontifff, he said, “Peace be with you,” the words of Jesus Christ spoken on Easter morning. He then shared that he wants to build bridges, to dialogue and to be inclusive, which speaks to how he will lead the People of God.
Please join me in praying for Pope Leo XIV as he begins his new Petrine Ministry. May God grant him the strength and leadership to strengthen the unity of the Church and to advance peace in our world.
I invite you to join me for a Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV on Monday, May 12 at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Assumption. Together, we will lift up the Holy Father with our prayers as he starts his papacy.
