The Conférence des évêques de France has expressed profound gratitude for the election of Pope Leon XIV, marking a significant moment in the Catholic Church. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops for the last two years, has been a familiar face in the French episcopate, having regularly met with various bishops and even accompanied Pope Francis on trips to Marseille and Ajaccio.
Pope Leon XIV, who ascended to the papacy on May 8, 2025, conveyed deep emotion during his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. His inaugural words and blessing resonated with a heartfelt commitment to serve humanity, echoing the sentiments of peace championed by his predecessors. His message of peace mirrored Saint John Paul II's famous exhortation, "N’ayez pas peur!" (Do not be afraid!), and aligned with Pope Francis' call to build bridges rather than walls.
In France, the news of Leon XIV's election reverberated through the streets, with the bells of Notre-Dame ringing in celebration. Many Catholics gathered in the cathedral, where applause erupted in joy upon learning of the new pope's identity. One parishioner noted, "We were in the cathedral, and everyone applauded. Then we understood that it was the election of the pope."
The simplicity and humility of the new pope have struck a chord with many French Catholics. In Lyon, one believer expressed her happiness, stating, "I am very glad that it is him, especially since he aligns with the values that Pope Francis advocated." Similarly, in Rennes, the faithful hope that this new pontiff embodies the qualities of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was known for his closeness to the people.
As the Catholic community in France welcomes Leon XIV, they are encouraged to pray for him, especially in the days leading up to the inauguration mass of his pontificate. Mgr Jacques Habert, Bishop of Bayeux-Lisieux, remarked, "We will learn to know and love him. His charge is immense, and the challenges ahead for our Church are crucial; let us remain united and fervent."
Mgr Xavier Malle, Bishop of Gap, highlighted the significance of the new pope's name, stating, "Hope for the poorest: in taking the name of Leon XIV, following the path of Pope Leo XIII, the first pope to write a social encyclical, Rerum Novarum." This reflects a commitment to social justice that many Catholics hope will be a hallmark of Leon XIV's papacy.
Mgr François Jacolin, Bishop of Luçon, emphasized the new pope's missionary background, saying, "He is a pope who was a missionary, and in this world that is moving, that is thirsty for God, I believe that this universal openness is welcome in our Church." This perspective resonates with many who see a need for the Church to remain outward-looking and engaged with the world.
Mgr Nicolas Brouwet, Bishop of Nîmes, noted the hope embodied in the pope's first words, which invited the world to welcome the peace that comes from the risen Christ. He stated, "These are words of hope amid the international tensions that we are experiencing." This sentiment is echoed by Mgr Laurent Ulrich, Archbishop of Paris, who expressed gratitude, saying, "This evening, our first movement is to turn, our hearts full of gratitude, to the Lord who always shows himself present, living, acting in our Church and our world."
Dominique Lebrun, Archbishop of Rouen, remarked on the pope's role as a unifying figure, stating, "Léon XIV becomes a link of communion between 1.4 billion Catholic faithful, from East and West. May the Holy Spirit assist him and help us be a sign of unity for all humanity in disunion." This call for unity is particularly poignant in today's fractured global landscape.
Mgr Denis Moutel, Bishop of Saint-Brieuc, highlighted the challenges that lie ahead, stating, "With us he will have to serve the challenges of peace between nations. The pope has no army, but he can carry, like his predecessors, a powerful voice to awaken consciences for justice and peace." This underscores the papacy's role in advocating for global justice and peace.
In a broader context, the election of Pope Leon XIV has garnered attention beyond France. Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, congratulated the new pope, expressing that it is a great honor for the country to have its first American pope. He stated on his social media platform, "It’s a great honor to realize that he is the first American pope. What an emotion and honor for our country!"
Similarly, Dina Boluarte, the President of Peru, celebrated the election of Cardinal Prevost, noting it as a historic moment for Peru. She remarked, "He has chosen to be one of us," emphasizing the significance of his dual heritage as both American and Peruvian.
The expectations surrounding Pope Leon XIV are high, especially among the millions of Catholics in France who are hopeful that his leadership will reflect the values of compassion, simplicity, and outreach that characterized Pope Francis' tenure. As the new pope embarks on his mission, the Catholic Church stands at a pivotal moment, with believers around the world eager to see how he will navigate the complexities of modern faith and societal challenges.
In this time of transition, the faithful are called to support their new leader through prayer and unity, hoping that Pope Leon XIV will indeed be a shepherd who leads with love, compassion, and a commitment to peace.
