A Prayer for Pope Leo XIV

Good and gracious God, the faithful of the Diocese of Austin rejoice with profound gratitude that, 

in your good providence, Pope Leo XIV has been elected as the Successor of St. Peter. 

Fill him with your grace and give him a heart after the heart of the Good Shepherd, Jesus. 

May he be guided by the Holy Spirit to sanctify the Church in unity, teach with truth and mercy and lead us to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by our lives. Recognizing our closeness with Pope Leo XIV, inspire him to send this local Church a new shepherd who will please you by his holiness and accompany us with loving care.

Invoking the intercession of our patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, we pray through Christ the Risen Lord, Amen.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, was elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, 2025. He is the first U.S.-born pope and the first member of the Order of Saint Augustine to hold the papacy. Before his election, he served as a missionary and bishop in Peru, later becoming prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. His international experience and administrative leadership lead to his appointment as cardinal in 2023 by Pope Francis.

In his first address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized themes of peace, unity, and continuity with his predecessor's reformist legacy. He pledged to focus on a synodal Church grounded in charity, solidarity, and closeness to the suffering. His election is seen as a unifying move, balancing the progressive direction set by Pope Francis with a more traditional doctrinal outlook.

Almighty and ever living God, grant our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, wisdom and discernment as he chooses a new bishop for this local Church. By your divine providence, grant us a shepherd after the heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, whose benevolent care and kindly zeal will strengthen the people of God by the light of the Gospel and the power of the sacraments. Lord, as you now prepare to call our new bishop to the Diocese of Austin, give him courage and generosity to respond with a spirit of joyful hope.

Invoking the intercession of our patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
More information, contact: David Peterson 254-736-2059, [email protected]. For additional online resources: https://www.focolaremedia.com/wordoflife.