I join with Catholics throughout the world in celebrating the election of the next successor to Peter the Apostle, Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the name of Pope Leo XIV. Once again, the Cardinals of the Church have made history with the election of the first American-born pope.

With these words, “Peace be with you all,” Pope Leo XIV underscored the first greeting of the Risen Christ to his apostles that we celebrate in this Easter Season. How urgent is the need for peace in the world today, between nations, in our communities, in families and whenever anxiety disturbs our own interior peace.

Let us welcome Pope Leo XIV as the Vicar of Christ who now leads us in the name of Christ, who is our light and our salvation. Let us pray fervently for the peace of Christ to surround him in his apostolic ministry. May the Holy Spirit guide and direct him in all that is pleasing to the Lord. May our Blessed Mother, Mary, obtain for him untold graces and protection from the evil one. And may St. Joseph intercede for our new Holy Father, that he may be courageous in his apostolic ministry, and steadfast in faith, hope and charity.

Through the apostolic ministry of Pope Leo XIV, may Jesus Christ be praised!

Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt