Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago was elected the 267th pope on May 8, 2025, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. Read the statement from Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ, president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, on his election:
On behalf of the Jesuit Conference Canada and the United States, I extend warm wishes to Pope Leo XIV upon his election. I am grateful he has accepted the momentous responsibility of shepherding the Catholic Church, and I am grateful to the College of Cardinals for their deliberate discernment led by the Holy Spirit.
Having spent more than 30 years ministering in Chicago, I share the immense hometown pride millions across the “City of Big Shoulders” are feeling today. And I trust that Pope Leo’s missionary heart and his skill in leadership will serve him well as he guides the global Church.
The Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States is eager to collaborate with Pope Leo XIV in the service of faith and the promotion of justice. Along with the Jesuit community around the world, I will continually keep Pope Leo XIV and his intentions in my prayers.
Jesuit Superior General’s Message to the Society on the Election of Pope Leo XIV
Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, addressed a letter to the whole Society after the election of Pope Leo XIV, offering prayers for the pope and reaffirming the Society’s historic availability for service to the Church.
“I have also assured Pope Leo XIV of the prayers of the whole body and of each member of the Society of Jesus. Let us take this moment to renew our thinking with the Church, finding, in creative fidelity to our charism, the best way we can today serve the mission of the Lord Jesus.” Read the full letter.
The video below explains the Jesuits’ interesting history with the papacy and a fourth vow that many Jesuits take — a vow to God to obey the pope in regards to mission.
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Pope Leo’s Inaugural Mass
“Brothers and sisters, this is the hour for love,” Pope Leo XIV said, calling for unity in the Catholic Church at his installation Mass on May 18.
“Brothers and sisters, I would like that our first great desire be for a united Church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world. In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest,” Pope Leo said. Read more at America magazine.
Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, greeted Pope Leo on behalf of the Union of Superiors General at the Mass.
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A Prayer for Pope Leo XIV
God of all people,
Habemus papam! We have a new pope!
In trust and gratitude, we turn to your Holy Spirit. We know your Spirit has been active during this time of conclave, guiding the prayerful discernment that has brought your Church to this important moment. Now, as Pope Leo XIV assumes the Petrine Ministry, we pray that your Spirit draw ever closer to our new Holy Father, illuminating his path so that he may faithfully see and respond to the needs of your people.
We pray that Pope Leo XIV be strengthened in his ministry. May he continue building bridges that connect us to one another. May he be an example of faith, hope and love. We pray that you give him joy in his work and a renewed fervor for your Gospel message. May he never lose sight of Christ who walks before us and among us — particularly in the most vulnerable, the forgotten and the outcast.
Christ Jesus, bless Pope Leo XIV — and bless us, your holy people, as together we strive to be your Body in our wounded world.
Amen.
