Archbishop Aquila and Bishop Rodríguez Rejoice as Pope Leo XIV Becomes First American Pontiff

(Photo: Vatican Media)

As Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected to the Chair of Peter Thursday, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and Bishop Jorge Rodríguez expressed their prayerful gratitude for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Their statement follows, printed in full:

With profound gratitude to God and in union with the universal Church, the Archdiocese of Denver rejoices at the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. We offer our heartfelt prayers and congratulations! We pledge especially in the days ahead our prayerful support as he begins his ministry as the successor of Saint Peter. 

The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a historic moment for the Church, as he becomes the first American-born to ascend to the Chair of Peter. His election is a testament to the truly universal nature of the Catholic Church and reflects the vibrant faith and contributions of the Church in the Americas. As a native of the United States, Pope Leo XIV brings a unique perspective shaped by a life of missionary service, theological insight and pastoral care. His leadership signals a renewed call to the peace that the Risen Christ alone can give, and to unity, evangelization and compassion across every culture and nation. 

In this moment of grace and surprise, we give thanks for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the deliberations of the College of Cardinals and pray that the Lord may bless our new pope with wisdom, courage, faithfulness and a shepherd’s heart. 

As faithful sons and daughters of the Church, we unite with Catholics around the world in prayer for the Holy Father, entrusting his papacy to the loving care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and especially under her title of Our Lady of Pompei, whose feast we celebrate today. 

May God bless our new Holy Father and strengthen him in his mission to lead, to serve and to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth.