May 2025

Statement on the Election of Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was chosen by the conclave of cardinals to be our next Holy Father: Pope Leo XIV. He is the 267th pope and the first in the history of the Catholic Church to be born in the United States.

In his first greeting to the public, Pope Leo chose to echo the Risen Lord Jesus Christ’s words to the apostles by proclaiming “Peace be with all of you!” That is a joyful declaration after our time of mourning Pope Francis and praying for the cardinals as they discerned the successor to St. Peter. We are excited to enter into this next chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.

Our new pope went on to talk about building bridges through dialogue and encounter as a clear path to peace. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are filled with the hope of Jesus Christ and a confidence in the guidance of Pope Leo XIV. Let us come together in support and prayer for our new pontiff.

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson

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