Fr Anthony Chantry, Missio’s National Director for England and Wales, leads joyful prayers for our new Holy Father:
‘We give thanks to God for the election of our new pope – Pope Leo XIV,’ Fr Chantry said, following the announcement of the new Holy Father.
‘He has extensive missionary experience in Peru and was appointed to be a Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023. We pray for him, that he will have the strength to lead the Church in proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of all in the footsteps of Peter.
‘In this Jubilee Year, we rejoice in the election of a Pope who belongs to the order of St Augustine. A worldwide community whose core values are to live together in harmony – being of one mind and one heart on the way to God – to humbly love and serve our neighbour and to be united in the pursuit of truth.
‘Please join Missio in praying for our new Pope and for God’s peace throughout the world.’
‘A missionary Church, open to all’
The new Holy Father began his pontificate with a message of peace to all nations and people, everywhere. In his first statement, he told crowds in St Peter’s Square, and the many millions more watching around the world:
‘God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand-in-hand with God and with each other, we will go forward.’
Pope Leo XIV went on to issue a strong call for the Church to continue to be in mission:
‘We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love.’
God Bless you, Pope Leo XIV
We join with the faithful around the world to pray for and rejoice in our new Holy Father. May the Holy Spirit guide him as he, in turn, guides God’s flock across the world.