Along with the priests, deacons, consecrated religious, seminarians, and lay men and women of the Diocese of Allentown, I rejoice at the election of the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV.

With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the cardinal electors selected him from among themselves Cardinal Robert Prevost, O.S.A., who took the name Leo XIV.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV, 69, most recently served the Church as Prefect, Dicastery for Bishop.

Please join me in thanking God for a new shepherd, and in praying that he would receive the grace and wisdom to lead the Catholic Church with determination, humility, and strength.

O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favorably on your servant Pope Leo XIV,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;
grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom he presides
so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Allentown