Heavenly Father,

May you guide Pope Leo XIV in his ministry as he faces challenges in a changing world and Catholic Church;
May he carry the legacy of a universal and unified church, and continue to unite Christians worldwide;
May he teach us how to be followers of Christ and missionaries of the Good News;
Grant him wisdom and courage to lead us in his ministry as the Successor of Peter;
May his love for Jesus continue to grow as a Pope so we can continue to recognize his resurrection;
May he continue to advocate for migrants, indigenous people, the poor, and every person that feels isolated;
Bless his family, his birth and childhood place in Chicago (Dolton), his seminaries (CTU), his university, and the place where he spent over 30 years as a missionary (Chiclayo, Perú).

Santa María de Guadalupe; ruega por el Papa León XIV para que su ministerio refleje la vida de tu hijo Jesús en el mundo, así como tu te mostraste como nuestra madre en la tilma de Juan Diego y nos acercas cada día a tu hijo. Te pido que ruegues por el Papa.

In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirt. Amen

Dear Pope Leo the 14th,

As an ELCA Lutheran I managed the Fortress bookstore at LSTC starting in August of 1982.

I know that you had graduated from Catholic Theological Union earlier in that same year. And I can only assume that you purchased books at some point in the basement of LSTC. You might even still gave some textbooks you used back then.

Know that I was so blessed to have worked with all of the professors of CTU back for over 5 years.

I was so thrilled when I heard of your election as Pope and personally knowing if your connection to CTU.

I am praying for your continuing ministry to the global world as well as all of your colleagues in Rome. Your words on the balcony after your election are resonating all around the globe and you continue to preach the good news of Jesus to all.

Blessings always.

Gary Anderson
Garrison, Minnesota

A Prayer for Our New Pope, LEO XIV

God of all people, In trust and gratitude, we turn to your Holy Spirit. We know your Spirit has been active during this time of conclave, guiding the prayerful discernment that has brought your Church to this important moment. Now, as Pope Leo XIV assumes the Petrine Ministry, we pray that your Spirit draw ever closer to our new Holy Father, illuminating his path so that he may faithfully see and respond to the needs of your people.

We pray that Pope Leo XIV be strengthened in his ministry. May he continue building bridges that connect us to one another. May he be an example of faith, hope and love. We pray that you give him joy in his work and a renewed fervor for your Gospel message. May he never lose sight of Christ who walks before us and among us — particularly in the most vulnerable, the forgotten and the outcast.

Christ Jesus, bless Pope Leo XIV — and bless us, your holy people, as together we strive to be your Body in our wounded world.

Amen.