A Prayer for our new Pope Leo XIV

O God, who chose your servant Leo XIV,
as successor to the Apostle Peter
as Shepherd of the whole flock,
look favourably on the prayers of your people
and grant that, as Vicar of Christ on earth,
he may confirm his brothers and sisters
and that the whole Church may be in communion with him in the bond of unity, love and peace,
so that in You, the Shepherd of souls,
all may know the truth and share in eternal life.

Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian Order (OSA). St Augustine of Hippo (+430). In his Sermon 295 St Augustine says this: Do not be dismayed, Peter. Answer once, twice, three times. Your confession of love must be proclaimed three times because your presumption was three times dashed by your fear. The knot you tied three times must be as often untied. Untie from love what you tied from fear. In spite of all, the Lord three times entrusted his sheep to Peter.

Robert Francis Prevost was born in Chicago on 14 September 1955. He joined the Augustinians in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982. He held leadership roles in the Augustinian Order, including Prior General of the Order. He spent some of his early years as a missionary in Peru and returned there ten years ago as Bishop of Chiclayo. In 2023 Pope Francis called Bishop Prevost to serve in the Holy See in the Dicastery for Bishops. He was created Cardinal that same year.

In his words from the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica on the evening of his election as Pope, Leo XIV addressed all of us: The Peace of the Risen Christ be with you. Do not fear!