Leo XIV, First American Pope, May 8, 2025, Rome, The Vatican.
Dear Confreres, et al.,
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.