Archbishop Prowse welcomes new American pontiff, Pope Leo XIV
Archbishop Christopher Prowse has warmly welcomed Pope Leo XIV, the 267th successor of St Peter, saying he is “a leader deeply rooted in faith, unity and service.”
In the wake of the announcement, which came in early Friday morning, Archbishop Prowse echoed the ancient phrase “Habemus Papam” – Latin for “We have a pope” – to mark the historic moment.
The Archbishop said Pope Leo’s first public words, “Peace be with you,” were deeply significant, noting that they echoed the words of the risen Christ.
“It is a beautiful reminder that the Pope’s primary mission, like St Peter and his successors, is to proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” he said.
The world has eagerly followed every moment leading up to the election of the new Pope, from viewing the careful assembly of the iconic chimney atop the Sistine Chapel to seeing the meticulous work of Italian tailor Raniero Mancinelli in his Roman shop crafting the new Pope’s white cassocks.
The papal conclave began on Wednesday, gathering 133 cardinals under 80 to vote for the next leader of the Catholic Church. It started with a special Mass at St Peter’s Basilica, followed by a procession to the Sistine Chapel where the voting took place.
Inside the chapel, measures were taken to ensure confidentiality, including signal blockers to prevent communication. The cardinals sang prayers and took a solemn oath of secrecy in order of seniority before the voting commenced, marking the start of the sacred process of electing the new Pope.
The election has made history with 69-year-old Robert Prevost, a native of Chicago, becoming the first American Pontiff. Holding dual citizenship in the United States and Peru, Pope Leo XIV’s life has been deeply influenced by his missionary work and service as a bishop in Peru.
Archbishop Prowse reflected on Pope Leo’s episcopal motto, “In the One, one,” which underscores an enduring commitment to unity.
“From the people of Rome to his Peruvian diocese and beyond, his opening address spoke of peace, walking together and God’s unfailing mercy and love,” he said.
“His focus on unity and his commitment to the themes of synodality show a desire to bring collective harmony to a diverse, global Church.”
The Archbishop noted that the new Pope’s experience was as varied as it was profound.
“His time as an Augustinian monk, Prior General of the Augustinian Order and Peruvian Bishop and his significant Vatican roles exemplify a balance of his mystical, pastoral, administrative, and linguistic charisms,” he said.
“This rich and diverse background uniquely equips him to guide the Church with wisdom and compassion.”
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, SDB, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, expressed his joy and support for the new Pope and noted the immense significance of Pope Leo XIV’s election for the Catholic Church, the broader Christian community, and beyond.
“As Pope Leo XIV, our new pope will bring the benefit of his wide experience to the many challenges and opportunities before him,” Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said.
“The Catholic Church in Australia assures Pope Leo XIV of our prayers, loyalty, and joyful anticipation of his spiritual leadership.
May his pontificate be marked by peace, unity, and a deepening of the Gospel message throughout the world.”
Pope Leo XIV will celebrate a Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, May 9, along with the College of Cardinals that elected him, and on Sunday, May 11, he will give his first Regina Coeli address from the central loggia of St Peter’s Basilica.
Archbishop Prowse encouraged the faithful to pray for the new Pope as the Church prepares for Pope Leo XIV’s formal installation.
“We know that the Holy Spirit is with us. And so, we go ahead confident in this pilgrimage year of hope.”