Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV
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Bishop Barbarito’s Statement
May 8, 2025
Bishop Barbarito’s Statement On the Election of Pope Leo XIV
On his passing, I reflected upon our beloved Pope Francis as a Pope of surprises in so many ways, and in continuing with that I can honestly say that Pope Leo XIV is a Pope of surprises as well.
With so many others, I was convinced that the choice of a Pope from the United States would be most unlikely, but it seems that Pope Francis, from heaven, has given us another surprise. I am delighted by the choice of this man, who possesses so many spiritual gifts, pastoral competency, and linguistic talents.
Pope Leo XIV is an Augustinian priest who spent much of his ministry as a missionary in Peru. He has worked in the Vatican for a number of years and is a true man of the Church in every way. A Pope is chosen by the Holy Spirit, and the office that he holds has nothing to do with his nationality or country of origin. He is a Pope for all Catholics all over the world.
There is no question that Pope Leo XIV will serve with the same zeal, effectiveness, and holiness that so many of our recent extraordinary Popes exhibited within our times. We join in fervent prayer for Pope Leo XIV as he undertakes his new ministry of unity for the Church.
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2012 Interview with then Fr. Robert Prevost
News
Pope Leo XIV presided over the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday and invited Catholics to enter the “dynamism of God’s inner life” and be open to encounter with others.
Launching his papacy with a call for reconciliation and communion, Pope Leo XIV formally began his ministry as the successor of St. Peter by calling for “a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world.”
Pope Leo XIV delivered the following homily at the Mass for the Initiation of the Petrine Ministry in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, May 18, after being elected the 266th successor of St. Peter on May 8.
Pope Leo XIV will formally begin his ministry as bishop of Rome with a liturgy steeped in tradition and rich in symbolism May 18.
Pope Leo XIV, elected on Thursday, is the first pope from the Order of St. Augustine (OSA), also known as the Augustinians, an ancient religious order with thousands of members worldwide.
Catholic News Service recorded an interview with then Fr. Robert Prevost, OSA in 2012 that they have reposted on YouTube. The interview is wide-ranging and includes his thoughts on critical thinking in terms of fake news and the internet, vocations, etc
Pope Leo XIV, in his first Mass as pope, said Christians must offer witness in a world that prefers power, pleasure and success to faith.
On his passing, I reflected upon our beloved Pope Francis as a Pope of surprises in so many ways, and in continuing with that I can honestly say that Pope Leo XIV is a Pope of surprises as well.
"Peace be with all of you!" - the first words of Pope Leo XIV. The Conclave has elected Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome. The new pope was announced to the waiting crowds by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti.
“Thanks be to God for calling Pope Leo XIV to lead the Church of our time. It is thrilling to see an American named pope. We promise our prayers that the Lord will guide and support the Holy Father throughout his pontificate. God bless and sustain Pope Leo XIV and, through his service, the whole Church and the world.”
