Habemus Papam!

Statement on Election of Pope Leo XIV
Oblate James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB, Interim Executive Director

Dear UCYM Community,

As you are all well aware by now, we received the somewhat surprising news through white smoke that the Holy Spirit moved our cardinal electors to come to agreement on who should be our new pope. This is always a special moment not just in our Church, but throughout the entire world. 

After four votes, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as our 267th pope and took the name Pope Leo XIV. 

Pope Leo is a Chicago native and graduate of Catholic Theological Union. Reports indicate that he is a White Sox fan (I know, sorry Cubs fans)! This is an exciting moment for the United States as he is the first American pope and, even more exciting, from Chicago. 

I listened to his words spoken from the balcony in St. Peter's Square and they brought me tears. The spirit of Pope Francis, of synodality, and a call for unity rang true. 

"We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love." -Pope Leo XIV

These words bring me so much hope for how our Church will continue forward. May we join with Pope Leo in his vision to be a missionary church; a people going out and bringing Christ to every part of the world, especially in those spaces where there is a lack of love, inclusion, and hope.

St. Peter pray for us!