Statement on the election of Pope Leo XIV

Following is a statement of Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference:

“We at the New York State Catholic Conference join our Bishops in giving thanks to God for the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost.

“As the first American pope, Pope Leo’s election by the College of Cardinals is of course a moment of deep national pride for U.S. Catholics. More importantly, Pope Leo brings a continuity with the ministry of Pope Francis, while at the same time gifting the Church with his own unique perspective as a son of Chicago, an Augustinian priest and provincial of that order, a missionary and bishop in Peru, and a high-ranking Vatican official as prefect for the Dicastery of Bishops. With his choice of the name Leo, he clearly signals a deep commitment to Catholic social teaching and support for working men and women.

“In emerging on the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo’s first words were “Peace be with you,” which he noted were the Risen Christ’s first words in the Gospel to his Apostles. He spoke of the need for peace in our world, and we pray that his ministry serves as an instrument of that peace.

“As Americans, we also pray that his election serves as a much-needed moment of evangelization and renewal for the Church in our cherished homeland.”