Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Offer Prayers for Pope Leo XIV
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth join the Catholic Church around the world in prayer as Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy. Formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, the Chicago-born Augustinian friar was elected on May 8, 2025, becoming the 267th successor to Saint Peter and the first American to serve as pope.
As he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV addressed the crowd with the words, “Without fear, with God and among ourselves we go forward.” He succeeds Pope Francis, who died April 21.
Sister Jackulin Jesu, president of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, was in Rome when the white smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel, signaling the announcement of a new pope. She described the experience at St. Peter’s Square as filled with “amazement and excitement,” saying she raced to the Vatican the moment the news broke.
“It was deeply moving to hear the Pope’s first words – ‘Peace be with you all,’” Sister Jackie said. “In a world so broken, I felt those words brought a sudden sense of comfort.”
She is currently in Rome attending the UISG Assembly with Superior Generals of Religious Institutes and Congregations from around the world.
Pope Leo XIV has spent much of his religious life serving beyond the United States, including leadership roles in Peru and at the Vatican. Before his election, he led the Dicastery for Bishops, a key office overseeing the global appointment of bishops.
The Congregation recognizes the significance of this moment in the life of the Church. The Sisters pray that Pope Leo XIV will be guided by wisdom and compassion as he takes on the responsibilities of leadership. In particular, we pray that he continues efforts to include all voices in Church life and responds with courage to the challenges facing the world today.
Sister Barbara Flores, Provincial of the Western Province, said, “We join many across the globe in thanksgiving and celebration of Pope Leo XIV. His humble words and vision for a synodal Church – seeking peace, charity, and closeness to those who suffer – offer hope for these critical times.”
We invite all to join us in praying for Pope Leo XIV and for the unity and mission of the Church.
“Almighty God, we give thanks for the election of our new Pope. May he be a source of strength and wisdom to the Church, guiding us with your grace and love. Grant him the wisdom to discern your will, the courage to stand firm in faith, and the compassion to care for all your children. May the Holy Spirit illuminate his mind, strengthen his will, and empower him to lead with humility and love. We ask this through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
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Pope Leo XIV
Born Sept. 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois
Elected pope on May 8, 2025
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the 267th pope of the Catholic Church and the first American elected to the papacy. He is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine and entered religious life in 1977. He professed solemn vows in 1981 and was ordained a priest in 1982.
He studied theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and earned a licentiate and doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Early in his ministry, he served in Peru, including in Chulucanas and Trujillo, where he worked in formation, taught in the seminary, and served as judicial vicar.
In 1999, he was elected provincial prior of the Augustinian province based in Chicago. In 2001, he was elected prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine and was reelected in 2007.
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru. He was ordained a bishop on Dec. 12, 2014. He served as bishop of Chiclayo beginning in 2015 and later became vice president of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference.
He was appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America in January 2023. In September 2023, he was made a cardinal by Pope Francis and assigned the deaconry of Santa Monica.
He has served as a member of several Vatican dicasteries, including those for evangelization, doctrine, clergy, Eastern churches, religious life, culture and education, and legislative texts. He is also a member of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State.
Pope Leo XIV brings decades of experience in ministry, governance, and formation to his leadership of the Catholic Church.