"May we work for justice and peace in the world"

Brothers and sisters,

It is a historic day for the Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV has been elected successor to St. Peter. Watching him speak as pope for the first time, I was impressed by his depth of knowledge of theChurch and his spirituality. I can tell that he is emotionally ready to take on the task of leading the Church.

As an American, I think he can give the Church a new face universally. We are people who want peace. We want to build bridges and engage in dialogue that will bring the world together. Our politicians, diplomats, and other international officials do their part, but I think the pope has a unique position to foster peace to the world. 

It is significant that he chose the name Leo the XIV. Leo XIII was elected pope in 1878. He wrote the first official encyclical on the importance of justice for all people, with a special emphasis on helping the poor. Having that connection to Leo XIII, as well as having lived for years in Peru as a priest, a missionary and then as bishop there, shows that his heart is open to the struggles of all people wherever they may be. 

Being Catholic does not unite all of us in this country, but being American does. The fact that the Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope offers an opportunity to build bridges for everyone to come together and be united as brothers and sisters in Christ as we move forward and work for justice and peace