“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 among ourselves, we will go forward.”
These were a few of the first words we heard from our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, during his initial address moments after he was elected pontiff in the afternoon of Thursday, May 8, 2025. The Friars of Sacred Heart, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Province of Franciscan Friars, and Diocese of Saint Petersburg join the global community in celebrating a new pope.
Robert Francis, Cardinal Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, becomes the second successive pontiff from the Americas, and the first from the United States, while also being a dual citizen of Peru. An Augustinian who has spent major portions of his life on mission in the South American country, Leo XIV spoke to a continuation of synodality throughout the Church, and to recurring themes of peacemaking and bridgebuilding.
“To all you brothers and sisters of Rome, Italy, of all the world, we want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering,” Pope Leo XIV stated, just before leading the thousands in attendance at St. Peter’s Square in prayer.
Bishop Gregory Parkes, who celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at the chapel on the campus of St. Petersburg Catholic High School that afternoon, said “May God bless our new Holy Father. I pray that his ministry will unite the human family in pursuit of peace and the common good of people of every race, religion, and language.” | More from the Diocese of St. Petersburg
“With thanks to God, the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe extend our sincere congratulations and warmest best wishes to our new Pope Leo XIV,” said Br. Lawrence J. Hayes, OFM, Provincial Minister. “May God bless you and your pastoral leadership of the Church in the years ahead so that the Church may be conformed more and more to mind and heart of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd of all. Ad multos annos!”
In his reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Fr. Zack Elliott, OFM, Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart, said “As the Catholic Church elects a new pope, this moment coincides with Good Shepherd Sunday, offering an opportunity to reflect on the qualities desired in a spiritual leader. Good Shepherd Sunday, observed on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, emphasizes Jesus as the shepherd who knows, guides, and lays down his life for his sheep. This image serves as a model for the papacy, highlighting the need for a pope who embodies Christ’s pastoral care, humility, and dedication to the flock.”
* This page will be updated with broadcast information in relation Pope Leo XIV’s installation Mass as soon as it becomes available.
