PEORIA, Ill. – The head of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria says the news of the election of Pope Leo XIV is welcomed with “hearts full of joy and hope.”
In a statement, Bishop Louis Tylka says Pope Leo’s election is a moment of “great significance for the Church and the world.”
Pope Leo was elected Thursday on the 2nd day of the conclave. He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away last month on Easter Monday.
Leo is the first American pope in the church’s history, and was born in Chicago, but has spent most of his life as a missionary in Peru.
Tylka is asking for prayer that Pope Leo will lead the Catholics of the world “in need of healing, truth, and peace.”
Tylka’s full statement:
“We welcome the news of the election of the new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, with hearts full of joy and hope. In this moment of great significance for the Church and the world, we were grateful for the guidance of the Holy Spirit who led the cardinals in their sacred task.
As the People of God, we pledge our support and fidelity to Pope Leo XIV as the Successor of Peter. United with the universal Church, we are ready to walk in faith alongside our new Holy Father, trusting in God’s providence and grace.
Let us pray his pontificate will lead all Catholics in our efforts to bring Christ to the world — a world so in need of healing, truth, and peace. May the Lord bless our new Pope abundantly as he begins his ministry of service, unity, and love.”
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