Leo XIV, a universal missionary Pope at the service of the poor!

Official photo of Pope Leo XIV - Copyright VATICAN-MEDIA

Thursday 8 May 2025 At 6.08pm, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, where 133 cardinal electors were gathered. At the end of a conclave lasting just over 24 hours following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April 2025 at the age of 88, the American cardinal Robert Francis PREVOST69, who was elected Pontiff. He has chosen the name Leo XIV. His first appearance on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica was greeted by fervent acclaim from the assembled faithful.

We give thanks to God for the election of the Pope Leo XIVsuccessor to Peter and universal pastor of the Church. Following in the footsteps of Pope Francis, Leo XIV has already announced himself as the Pope of the poorattentive to the small, the forgotten, those who live on the periphery of our societies.

His first speech, marked by evangelical simplicity and an insistence on justice and fraternityresonates deeply with the spiritual intuition of the Blessed Antoine Chevrierwho has devoted his life to evangelising the poor by becoming poor with them.

A few encouraging sentences from his first message (1)

• "This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a peace that is disarming and disarming, but also persevering, that comes from God, who loves us all unconditionally.
• "Help us too, and help each other, to build bridges through dialogue and encounters, uniting us all to be one people always at peace".
• "Thanks to Pope Francis".
• I am a son of Saint Augustine - an Augustinian - who said: "I am a Christian with you and a bishop for you".
• "A special greeting to the Church of Rome. We must strive to be a missionary Church, building bridges of dialogue, always open to welcome, like this square (St Peter's), with open arms to all, to those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue and love".
• "We want to be a Church without a home, a Church on the move, always seeking peace, charity and closeness to those who suffer".
• "Thank you to Pope Francis, who gave his blessing to Rome and the whole world this Easter morning. Allow me to extend this blessing.

Our prayers are with the Holy Father Leo XIV, that the Holy Spirit will support him in this new mission, and that he will be able to continue his work in the coming months, be fully involved in World Day of the Poorso dear to the heart of the Church. This day could be a powerful sign of his commitment to a humble, servant and missionary Church. In 2026, it will have a particular resonance with the Bicentenary of the birth of Blessed Antoine Chevriera faithful witness to the Gospel lived among the poor, whose life continues to inspire the missionary disciples of the Prado Institute throughout the world.

Homily of Pope Leo XIV - Inauguration of the pontificate

Sunday 18 MayThe eyes of the world were riveted on Rome as Leo XIV celebrated the inaugural Mass of his pontificate. It was an emotional moment for the more than 200,000 people present in St Peter's Square in the Vatican - anonymous people, heads of state, religious representatives - as well as for the new pontiff. The ceremony was watched by millions of television viewers around the world, broadcast live on numerous television channels and digital platforms. A historic moment for the Catholic Church and the international community.

The Mass was marked by calls for unity, peace and social justice, themes dear to Pope Leo XIV, who is resolutely following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis.