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.