‘With hearts full of joy and deep gratitude’
Bishop Raica welcomes the new Holy Father
Bishop Raica welcomes the new Holy Father
On May 9, the day after the election of Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Raica released a video welcoming the new Holy Father. The complete text of his remarks follows herein.
On May 9, the day after the election of Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Raica released a video welcoming the new Holy Father. The complete text of his remarks follows herein.
My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, grace and peace to all of you! Today, I share with you the good news that the College of Cardinal electors chose His Eminence Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 266th successor of St. Peter as our Holy Father. Surprisingly, he is an American, hailing from Chicago, but he served in the Augustinian Order as member and prior and in the missions in Peru for many years. With hearts full of joy and deep gratitude to God, we join the Universal Church in welcoming our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.
His election has come as a surprise to many papal observers—not least because he is the first American pope in the history of the Church. For generations, such a possibility seemed unimaginable and unthinkable. And yet, in the mystery of divine providence, the Holy Spirit has once again moved in unexpected and grace-filled ways.
We in the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama rejoice with the entire People of God and give thanks for Pope Leo XIV’s humble and courageous acceptance of the Petrine Mission: to teach, to sanctify, and to shepherd the Universal Church in the name of Christ. He now stands before us as a sign and servant of communion, uniting believers across every land and language in the one Body of Christ.
The name he selected, Leo, means “lion” in Latin. It evokes strength, courage, and fidelity. May Pope Leo XIV be a courageous and steadfast shepherd, unafraid to proclaim the truth of the Gospel, unflagging in hope and firm in his witness to Jesus Christ, especially in a world so deeply fractured and which today yearns for peace and healing.
From the heart of Alabama, we, the bishops, deacons, clergy, religious, and faithful of the Diocese of Birmingham, offer you, Holy Father, our prayers, our love, and our loyalty. We assure you of our fervent support as you step into the shoes of the fisherman and begin your ministry as successor of St. Peter.
Welcome, Pope Leo XIV. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may Mary, Mother of the Church, shelter and protect you under her mantle always. Amen!
