Filipino Catholics Pray for Pope Leo XIV
Filipino Catholics were urged to unite in prayer for Pope Leo XIV as he takes on the immense responsibility of leading 1.4 billion faithful worldwide. This call to prayer highlights the significance of his new role and the challenges it brings.
“Although his election is a gift, it is also a cross. Something that requires our support, our prayers, and our love,” said Filipino Augustinian prior provincial Fr. Dante Bendoy O.S.A. during his homily on Sunday.
Fr. Bendoy led the Thanksgiving Mass for the new pope at the historic San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila. He encouraged the faithful to lift Pope Leo XIV up in prayer, asking that divine grace continue to guide him as he shepherds the Church with faith, humility, and love.
Pope Leo XIV’s Timely Election
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected on May 9 as the successor to Pope Francis and chose the name Leo XIV. At 69 years old, he is the 267th pope and notably the first pontiff from the United States and the first Augustinian pope.
Fr. Bendoy described Pope Leo XIV’s election as very timely, coinciding with the celebration of Good Shepherd Sunday. “His election reminds us that through the Holy Spirit, the Good Shepherd remains faithful to His promise that He will not abandon His Church,” he explained.
Faithful Called to Be Shepherds
The Augustinian priest also called on the faithful to emulate the shepherd’s role by caring for others. He said, “The Gospel calls us to recognize his guiding presence and to respond with faithfulness, trusting that his love and protection are always present.”
He warned believers not to be swayed by the false voices of the world but to stay attentive to the one who truly knows and calls each person by name—the one who loves us deeply.
Before his election as pope, Pope Leo XIV visited the Philippines several times and even went to San Agustin Church, making his connection with Filipino Catholics personal and heartfelt.
This moment invites all Filipino Catholics to support their new pope through prayer, faith, and love as he leads the global Church into a new chapter.