We welcome Pope Leo XIV

May 9, 2025

In a historic moment for the global Catholic community, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV.

The election of Pope Leo XIV was confirmed on 8 May 2025, when white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the conclave’s decision. Cardinal Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native who also holds Peruvian citizenship, is known for his extensive missionary work in Peru and his leadership within the Church’s evangelisation efforts. His election is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’s legacy, emphasising unity, peace, and pastoral care for all.

Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural address highlighted his commitment to the dignity of the marginalised, aligning with the inclusive vision of his predecessor, Pope Francis. His papacy is expected to focus on environmental sustainability, immigrant rights, and social justice, continuing the Church’s advocacy for the most vulnerable. In his inaugural address Pope Leo XIV said, “We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges, a dialogue, always open to receive everyone who needs our charity, our presence, dialogue, and love.”

Bishop Anthony Randazzo has expressed his joy and gratitude to God, after hearing the news of Pope Leo XIV’s election: “I invite all the clergy and people of the Diocese of Broken Bay to give thanks to God for the election of our new Pope. May this be a moment for us all to recommit ourselves to Christ, to unity in His Body the Church, and to the mission of proclaiming the Gospel with renewed faith and courage.”

At CatholicCare Broken Bay, we are inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to social justice and pastoral care. As Pope Leo XIV embarks on this new chapter, we join the global Catholic community in prayer and hope for a future marked by peace, unity, and unwavering commitment to the values of the Gospel.

Photo credit: https://religionnews.com/2025/05/08/pope-leo-xiv-election-in-photos/

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