New Pope Leo XIV Praised in Cubao
In a heartfelt pastoral letter, Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. urged all parishes, religious groups, and pastoral councils to include Pope Leo XIV in their masses and prayers of thanksgiving. This call celebrates the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., as the new pontiff.
“With joy and gratitude, we thank God for choosing Cardinal Prevost as our new Holy Father,” Bishop Ayuban wrote. He emphasized that starting immediately, Pope Leo XIV’s name should be mentioned during the Eucharistic Prayer in the Mass.
Guidelines for Liturgical Celebrations
To honor the new Pope, Bishop Ayuban instructed the faithful to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass specifically for him. The prayers can be found in the Roman Missal under “Masses for Various Needs and Occasions,” particularly the section for the Holy Church and the Pope. Similarly, the Aklat ng Pagmimisa sa Roma offers appropriate prayers. The ordinary readings of the day remain unchanged.
About Pope Leo XIV
After four rounds of voting in the conclave, Cardinal Prevost, 69, was elected as the 267th Pope. He is the first pontiff from the United States and the second from the Americas, following Pope Francis. Taking the papal name Leo XIV, he brings a rich background as an Augustinian priest and missionary in Peru.
Interestingly, although born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV also holds Peruvian citizenship. He currently serves as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and is Archbishop-Bishop Emeritus of Chiclayo, Peru.
Prayer for Pope Leo XIV
The bishop shared a special prayer to express gratitude and support for the new pontiff:
Lord Jesus Christ,
Good Shepherd and High Priest,
we praise you and offer sincere thanks for calling Pope Leo XIV
to shepherd the universal Church.
May he lead us with love,
seek the lost sheep,
be a gentle father,
a faithful teacher,
and a steward of your sacred mysteries.
Grant him health, strength, and wisdom.
Unite us as one body,
purify and sustain us in charity,
and help us answer your call to mission.
You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.
Hope and Unity Under the New Pope
Bishop Ayuban concluded by reminding the faithful that God never abandons His Church. He encouraged prayers that Pope Leo XIV will faithfully guard the faith, care for the poor, and be a beacon of hope for the world.