atthew's
Kalispell, Montana
Image credit: Guglielmo Mangiapane, REUTERS.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the first pope from the United States and holds dual citizenship with Peru, reflecting his extensive missionary work there. He is also the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine. His choice of the name "Leo" pays homage to Pope Leo XIII, who is known for his dedication to social justice and the Church's engagement with the modern world.
Right away, Pope Leo XIV is focusing on unity, compassion, and outreach to the marginalized. He has called for the Church to be a welcoming community that listens and accompanies those on the peripheries of society. This is further reinforced in his episcopal motto, 'In illo uno unum.' Which means, "In the one Christ, we are one".
O God, good and deserving of all of our love, guide Pope Leo XIV and shower him in your gifts. May he have a long and holy leadership of the Church here on earth. Give him the graces he needs to be Your voice, hands, and feet to spread the Good News to all. Thank you for Your faithfulness through your bride, the Church, by choosing another shepherd to grow in unity with You. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we pray you keep Pope Leo XIV close to Your heart. Amen.
