Dear Fellow Pilgrims in Faith,

Habemus Papam! We have a Pope! We are honored to have an American Cardinal, Robert Prevost, originally from Chicago, elected as the Pope this afternoon. He has taken the name Leo XIV. 

While we all anticipated the white smoke to rise from the Sistine Chapel, none of us would have expected an American Cardinal to emerge onto the balcony as the new Holy Father. Let us join together in celebration that the Holy Spirit guided the College of Cardinals in conclave to choose the right person in this time and this place in history. May God strengthen Pope Leo XIV in the months and years ahead as he guides the Church building bridges. 

Perhaps it is fitting that this Sunday we celebrate not only Mother’s Day but Good Shepherd Sunday. Let us thank the Lord for providing a Shepherd for His people as we continue our journey in faith. God bless you Pope Leo and may the Lord guide you in your new role.

Blessings,

Fr. Mark