Leo XIV, First American Pope, May 8, 2025, Rome, The Vatican.
I am writing to you this early afternoon on May 9th, from the Maison Saint Sulpice, Paris. Last evening, while concluding my visit with Father Peter Kwaleyela, PSS at Maynooth (St. Patrick’s Pontifical University), Ireland, he and I shared the moment of great anticipation and joy at seeing, first, the white smoke billowing from the Vatican chimney, and the subsequent formal announcement: Habemus Papam!
It had been discreetly circulated, hopefully even, among the cognoscenti in France, Ireland, and no doubt, the United States, that the American Cardinal Robert Prevost, O.S.A., the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, was favored among those gathered in conclave as the potential successor to Pope Francis.
Aware of this, I dared to hope that the next Bishop of Rome would be an American. As we strained to hear the name being announced formally, I could barely make out Robert Prevost! Could it be true?
Moments later, Leo XIV emerged on the Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. Indeed, incredibly, it was Robert Prevost, O.S.A, of Chicago, Illinois, the revered Augustinian priest, and canon lawyer; former Prior General, and Peruvian bishop, the Cardinal Prefect –Leo XIV. He seemed as overwhelmed as were we, all! The first Pope from the United States!
In this Year of Hope, the Conclave had indeed given the Church, and the world renewed hope as this venerable, humble priest moved forward emotionally to greet those thousands, gathered in St. Peter’s Square, and all of us, millions, at great distances. You could not help but be touched by his joy and his humility as he greeted the throngs that embraced him—enthusiastically, joyfully, affectionately.
Confident, vigorous, and, yes, seemingly youthful, the 69-year-old Pontiff, began his address to the cheering throng in Italian: “Peace be with all of you! He, then, went on to express both continuity and challenge as he exclaimed: Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, establishes dialogues.
Please join me in praying for our new Holy Father, “May God grant him wisdom, joy, peace of mind, courage, and the fraternity of brothers, as he assumes the mantle of the Vicar of Christ.”
Let us also join our voices in prayer with that of our Holy Father, Leo XIV, as he concluded: "And [pray] for peace throughout the world. And let's ask for this special grace from Mary, our mother."
Oremus pro invicem.
Fraternally, in Christ,
Father Daniel F. Moore, PSS Provincial Superior
Society of St Sulpice Province of the United States
Auspice Maria.
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We “Sulpician Fathers” have an uncommon name and a unique mission: the initial and ongoing formation of diocesan priests. In 1641, our founder, Fr. Jean-Jacques Olier, was the pastor of the Church of Saint Sulpice. He founded a community of diocesan priests in Paris specifically to prepare diocesan seminarians for the Roman Catholic priesthood. We Sulpicians have been dedicated to the work of forming priests after the heart of Jesus the Good Shepherd ever since.
Sulpicians came to the United States in 1791, arriving first in Baltimore. Since then, we have dedicated ourselves to assisting bishops by providing seminary education and ongoing formation for seminarians and our fellow priests.
In the United States, we have seminaries in Baltimore, Washington, DC, and San Antonio. Texas. Farther afield, we support seminaries in the Central African nations of Zambia and Malawi.
Quick Facts
■ Serve 57 Arch/dioceses and 19 International Arch/dioceses (11 of which are Zambian)
■ Staff an additional 5 seminaries (U.S. & Zambia)
■ Are responsible for a Baltimore parish of 800 families
■ Coordinate and facilitate the Biennial Institute for Seminary Formators
■ Operate three Sulpician seminaries with a total enrollment of 324
■ Founded by Fr. Jean-Jacques Olier
Click above image to visit the McGivney Propaedeutic House of Formation page.
Click above image to visit the St. Mary's Seminary and University page.
Click above image to visit the Theological College page.
Click above image to visit the Assumption Seminary page.
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Sedes Sapientiae
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, the work of French sculptor Henri Bouriche (1826–1906). This statue is closely identified with the Sulpicians in the United States.
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