East Anglia church leaders welcome Pope Leo XIV 

The Catholic community in East Anglia is overjoyed with the announcement of a new Pope, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who was elected at the Vatican in Rome on Thursday evening. The Bishop of East Anglia, the Rt Rev Peter Collins, expressed his heartfelt congratulations and thanksgiving on behalf of the Diocesan Family of East Anglia, assuring the new Pope of their prayers as he embarks on his papal journey. Bishop Collins had the privilege of meeting the then Archbishop Prevost in September 2023, and was struck by his humility and impressive nature. He believes that Pope Leo has been gifted with many talents, which he has consistently used to serve the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout his lifetime.

The election of Pope Leo XIV is also being hailed as good news for the environment and climate. The Rt Rev Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and lead bishop for the environment, welcomes the new Pope’s understanding of the impact of climate change and nature loss, gained from his personal experience in South America. Pope Leo has already shown his commitment to taking action on these issues, urging the need to move “from words to action” and build a “relationship of reciprocity” with the environment. This continuity with Pope Francis’ ecological vision, as outlined in his encyclical Laudato Si, is a source of hope for those working to care for God’s creation. Bishop Usher will be praying for the new Pope as he works ecumenically with people of all faiths to protect the environment.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, has a fascinating background that has prepared him for his new role. Born in Chicago, he graduated in mathematics from the University of Villanova in Pennsylvania, before following his vocation to the priesthood within the Order of Saint Augustine. He went on to study philosophy and theology at the Catholic Theological Union, and later obtained a licentiate and doctorate in canon law at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. With Italian, Spanish, and French ancestry, Pope Leo embodies a multi-cultural and multi-lingual heritage, which will serve him well in his global role. His missionary heart has taken him to Peru, where he spent 14 years serving as a pastor, lecturer, and formator of young Augustinians.

Pope Leo’s experience in Peru was marked by his dedication to serving the poorest communities, and his leadership roles within the Augustinian Order. He was twice elected as Prior General, governing and visiting Augustinian communities around the world. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, before calling him to Rome in 2023 to oversee the appointment of bishops worldwide. Having received the Red Hat from Pope Francis in late 2023, Cardinal Prevost entered the Conclave on May 7, emerging the next day as Pope Leo XIV. This remarkable journey has equipped him with the skills, experience, and humility to lead the Catholic Church in its mission to serve the world.

The election of Pope Leo XIV is a moment of great joy and hope for Catholics everywhere. As the 267th Bishop of Rome, he succeeds a long line of popes who have shaped the Church’s history and mission. With his strong background in mathematics, philosophy, and theology, Pope Leo is well-equipped to tackle the complex challenges facing the Church and the world today. His experience as a missionary, bishop, and leader within the Augustinian Order has given him a unique perspective on the needs of the global community, and his commitment to environmental issues is a welcome sign of the Church’s ongoing dedication to caring for creation.

As the world gets to know Pope Leo XIV, we are reminded of the significance of his role as a spiritual leader and a symbol of unity for Catholics around the globe. The first sight of him at the Vatican, captured in a photograph, marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church. As he embarks on his papacy, Pope Leo will be in the prayers of Catholics everywhere, who will be looking to him for guidance, inspiration, and leadership. With his remarkable background, his commitment to the Gospel, and his dedication to caring for creation, Pope Leo XIV is poised to make a profound impact on the world, and to lead the Church into a bright and hopeful future.