Message from Cardinal Leo on the Election of Pope Leo XIV

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

May Jesus and Mary be in your souls.

With hearts filled with joy and deep gratitude, we celebrate the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. This momentous occasion unites the Church in prayer and hope as we welcome the successor of St. Peter to be our Universal Shepherd.

I was most humbled and grateful to participate in the conclave these last few days. It was both moving and profound to gather together and invoke the assistance of the Holy Spirit for this most serious ecclesial discernment made by the College of Cardinals. We felt truly supported by your prayers and those of so many Catholics throughout the world. Thank you for your prayerful contribution to this supreme act of Catholic faith.

Following the example of the first Christian community, united with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, we now look ahead and persevere in prayer, welcoming and embracing wholeheartedly the election of the Roman Pontiff to govern the flock of Christ with unfailing care as a gift of God's goodness and providence to Holy Mother Church and indeed to the entire world.

I invite the faithful in the Archdiocese of Toronto to be united in faith and devotion, interceding earnestly each day for His Holiness, just as we do at every Mass, lifting him up in our prayer intentions. Let us be obedient and loving to this Servant of the Servants of God, supporting his leadership and shepherding ministry for the growth of the Church, walking along the path of holiness. It is truly a new chapter in the life of the ecclesial Body of Christ that has just begun and one which engages each of us in the evangelizing efforts to bring the Gospel to life in our families, communities and entire archdiocese, with renewed vigour and zeal, through both our words and actions. In a world in desperate need of hope, truth, unity and compassion, let us follow the lead of the Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff on this common and grace-filled journey of faith.

May the reign of our beloved Pope Leo XIV be marked by peace, communion, and a renewed commitment to carrying the saving message of Christ to all corners of the earth, reaching every heart, touching every life, strengthening every family. May he be a visible source of unity in the Catholic and Apostolic faith and of communion for the entire Christian people. We call upon the powerful intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church and St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, to protect and inspire, comfort and assist the Vicar of Christ, our spiritual father, as he begins his Petrine ministry to build up the Kingdom of Christ, to the praise and glory of Almighty God and for the salvation of souls.