Habemus Papam!

With people throughout the world, we rejoice at the election of our new Pope, Leo XIV. And we were delighted, too, that to a world riven by war and hatred, his first words spoke of peace, and God's all-conquering, unconditional love...

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"Peace be with all of you!

Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for God's flock. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your heart, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth. Peace be with you!

This is the peace of the Risen Christ, an unarmed and disarming peace, humble and persevering. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally. We still have in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed Rome!

The pope who blessed Rome gave his blessing to the world, to the entire world, that Easter morning.

Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God cares for us, God loves all of us, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God's hands. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward.

We are disciples of Christ. Christ goes before us. The world needs His light. Humanity needs Him as the bridge to reach God and His love..."

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We pray for Pope Leo, as he begins this new service in the Church and the world - for wisdom, discernment, humility and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

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(Image: OSV News photo/Guglielmo Mangiapane, Reuters)

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