On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church rejoiced as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the
267th pope, taking the name Leo XIV. His election coincided with the Fourth Sunday of Easter, known as Good Shepherd Sunday, a day symbolizing Christ’s pastoral care. This historic moment was seen by many as a blessing through the intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii.
Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV is the first American and the first member of the Order of Saint Augustine to ascend to the papacy. Of Italian, French, and Spanish heritage, he pursued studies in mathematics, philosophy, and theology, and is fluent in multiple languages.
A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he was ordained as a priest in 1982 and devoted much of his early ministry to missionary work in Peru, where he served as a parish pastor, seminary teacher, and diocesan official. In 2015, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and later became its Archbishop in 2003.
His compassionate pastoral care and dedication to social justice led to his elevation as a cardinal
in September 2023 by Pope Francis. Pope Leo XIV’s election followed a swift conclave, concluding on the fourth ballot. In his first address as Pope, he called for renewed commitment to the teachings of Christ, urging all faithful to be ‘Good Shepherds’ to one another.
As we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, we give thanks for Pope Leo XIV’s leadership and pray for his guidance of the Church in these times. Honoring our Mother’s On this Mother’s Day, let us give thanks for all the mothers in our lives, those who are here with us today, and those who are no longer with us. May we honor them with our love, respect, and gratitude.