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The First American Pope

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Prayer for Pope Leo XIV

Oh God, who chose your servant
Pope Leo XIV in succession to the Apostle Peter
as shepherd of the whole flock,
look favorably on the prayers of Your people
and grant that, as Vicar of Christ on earth,
he may confirm his brothers and sisters and
that the whole Church may be in communion
with him in the bond of unity, love and peace,
so that in You, the shepherd of souls,
all may know the truth and attain life eternal.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever, Amen.

May 8, 2025

Statement of Rev. James Wehner, Pastor of Divine Grace Parish on the new Pope

Since the passing and funeral of Pope Francis, we have been praying for the College of Cardinals and the Cardinal Electors preparing for the 267th Pope to carry out the Petrine Ministry. With praise to Almighty God, the Cardinal Electors have elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as our new Holy Father, who has now taken the name of Pope Leo XIV.

Until his election, Pope Leo XIV served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. He is from Chicago, IL, USA and is 69 years old. He was ordained a priest in 1982 and eventually appointed a cardinal-bishop by Pope Francis in 2023.

To thank Our Lord and to pray for the start of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate, we will celebrate Mass on at all three of our churches, dates to be announced.

God Bless Pope Leo XIV.

Statement of Bishop David Zubik on the Election of Pope Leo XIV

The Faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh join Catholics and many others around the world in prayerful celebration following the announcement of the election of Pope Leo XIV as the 266th successor of Saint Peter.

“With joy and gratitude, I welcome the news of Pope Leo XIV’s election,” said Bishop David Zubik. “We pray for him as he begins his ministry as the Holy Father. May he be a source of Christ’s love, mercy, and unity for the Church and for the world.”

Bishop Zubik announced plans to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at Saint Paul Cathedral (Oakland) in prayerful support of the new pope on Monday, May 12th at 7:00 pm. The Mass will be broadcast on Comcast channel 95 in the City of Pittsburgh and on www.ChristianAssociatesTV.org. It will be livestreamed on the diocesan YouTube channel.

In the meantime, the faithful are invited to join in prayer for Pope Leo XIV and the Church during this time of joyful transition. A special section of the diocesan website has been created to share prayer resources, educational materials, and updates: https://diopitt.org/papal-election