A collection of comments from Focolare members and friends on the election of Leo XIV
Photo provided by Focolare.org
Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement
"On behalf of the Focolare Movement throughout the world, I express my great joy for the election of Pope Leo XIV as the new Pontiff of the Catholic Church. We thank God for having listened to the prayers of so many people and having, with His Spirit, guided the work of the Cardinals in identifying the successor of Peter at the present time that is posing serious challenges for humanity.
Right from now, we want to assure the Holy Father of our filial closeness, our prayers and our commitment to be peacemakers, as he repeatedly emphasized in his first blessing.
Today the world is in urgent need of peace, light and hope. That is why we promise that we will continue to commit ourselves, together with the ecclesial communities in which we are inserted, to bring God’s love to all; to be open to dialogue, to be ‘one people always at peace,’ bearing witness to the fact that the unity asked for by Jesus in his Testament is stronger than any division.
Moreover, we want to commit ourselves to embodying the synodal path ever more faithfully, to be able to apply it also in the various areas of society; to give our contribution so that the Church may be an open and welcoming home for every man and woman and for the new generations, especially for those who are most fragile, those who suffer most and those who are marginalized, so as to offer to all the ever new message of Christ. Best wishes Pope Leo XIV, with all our love!"
Bishop Michael Mulvey of the Diocese of Corpus Christi
"Watching him speak as pope for the first time, I was impressed by his depth of knowledge of the Church and his spirituality. I can tell that he is emotionally ready to take on the task of leading the Church. As an American, I think he can give the Church a new face universally. We are people who want peace. We want to build bridges and engage in dialogue that will bring the world together. Our politicians, diplomats, and other international officials do their part, but I think the pope has a unique position to foster peace to the world.
It is significant that he chose the name Leo the XIV. Leo XIII was elected pope in 1878. He wrote the first official encyclical on the importance of justice for all people, with a special emphasis on helping the poor. Having that connection to Leo XIII, as well as having lived for years in Peru as a priest, a missionary and then as bishop there, shows that his heart is open to the struggles of all people wherever they may be.
Being Catholic does not unite all of us in this country, but being American does. The fact that the Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope offers an opportunity to build bridges for everyone to come together and be united as brothers and sisters in Christ as we move forward and work for justice and peace."
We are blessed that Pope Leo XIV harbors a deep commitment to proclaiming the Gospel and a pastoral heart that reflects Christ’s mercy and compassion.
Kate O’Brien, director of Focolare Forum for Dialogue and Culture
"In his first words as pope, Leo XIV shares a moving reflection on peace—unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering. A peace that flows not from dominance but from love—a love that embraces all, without condition. At the Focolare Forum for Dialogue and Culture, we feel called to reaffirm our commitment to nurturing dialogue, reconciliation, and unity—across cultures, faiths, and convictions. May this moment invite all of us—wherever we stand—to seek and sow peace in new, courageous ways."
Bishop David P. Talley of the Diocesis of Memphis
"I join all in a prayer of thanksgiving, in giving us Pope Leo XIV. May the Lord grant him every good, as he begins his loving Petrine service.”
Bishop Kevin W. Vann of the The Diocese of Orange
"We are blessed that Pope Leo XIV harbors a deep commitment to proclaiming the Gospel and a pastoral heart that reflects Christ’s mercy and compassion. To our diocese and all people of goodwill, we invite you to join in prayer for the Holy Father, so that God may grant him wisdom, courage and peace as he guides the Church into the future.
May our Blessed Mother Mary intercede for him and all of us, as we continue the journey of faith together under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV."
