Bishop Joensen welcomes Pope Leo XIV with joy and prayerful support

May 8, 2025

Photo credit: CNS photo/Lola Gomez

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Our sadness in the wake of the death of Pope Francis, mingled with great anticipation, now yields to joy and gratitude at the news of the election of his successor, Cardinal Robert Prevost, who has taken the name, Pope Leo XIV.

He has already been a devoted missionary to the people of Peru and South America. He is familiar with the workings of the Church, having overseen the appointment of bishops throughout the world, identifying priests with an evangelical spirit.

Now, he is the chief Shepherd of the Church and the Vicar of Christ. We have particular pride in this election in that Pope Leo XIV a native of Chicago, of the Midwest, and of our country. He has, as Pope Francis said, the smell of the sheep, one who is among us, one who is able to identify with us. He is endowed with all the grace he needs to guide the People of God.

Pope Leo XIV’s election affirms the missionary nature of the Church as we continue to heed Jesus Christ’s call to go forth and teach all nations, announcing the Gospel and baptizing persons for the sake of their salvation.

We, the people and clergy of the Diocese of Des Moines, pledge our filial respect and obedience and our dedicated prayers for our new Holy Father.  We are mindful of the counsel of the Second Letter of Peter 1:10-11: “Be all the more eager to make your call and election firm, for, in doing so, you will never stumble.”

While we look forward to the way in which Pope Leo XIV will place his own personal stamp on his office and charge as the successor of St. Peter and of Pope Francis, we are sure that, with the authority entrusted to him, he will communicate the one, holy, catholic and apostolic faith with joy and great solicitude for the poorest among us.

As he does so, in his own unique way, may he vividly reveal the face of Jesus to a world looking for genuine compassion and love, healing, truth, and hope.