HARTFORD, CT – “With profound gratitude and hope, I join Catholics and people of faith around the world in recognizing the historic election of Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American-born priest, a Peruvian citizen who lived for years in Peru—first as a missionary and then as an archbishop—as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
This moment marks an extraordinary milestone: for the first time in the Church’s 2,000+ year history, a native of the United States has been chosen to serve as the Holy Father. Pope Leo XIV’s deep pastoral experience, global missionary work, and longtime service under Pope Francis reflect a spiritual humility and moral clarity that our world urgently needs.
May Pope Leo XIV inspire us to rise above anger and confrontation, and instead walk together in compassion, hope, and faith.”