On the election of Pope Leo XIV

The monks of Mepkin Abbey are joined with all the world to celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV. We unite our prayers with those of everyone praying for our new Holy Father, beginning his pontificate as the 267th successor of Saint Peter. In our liturgy we have just celebrated Good Shepherd Sunday and we know Pope Leo desires to offer a shepherd’s care to God’s holy people. May God grant him wisdom, courage, and strength. His motto – ‘in the One, we are one’ (in illo unum) is a phrase from the teaching of Saint Augustine and it echoes the desire to promote unity found in the teachings of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict and Pope Francis, that all who are following Christ, whatever their differences may be, may be grounded in that common bond, Christ’s unwavering love for each one of us. In Cistercian life as we prepare to express our vows, we read a text by Dom Augustine Roberts, OCSO, “Centered on Christ”, and find that we, with all our brothers and sisters, are drawn by the one Lord to live this life of ceaseless prayer in behalf of and for all the Church. Offering joyful praise to God with faithful people all throughout the world, we ask our loving God who led the cardinals in conclave to elect this servant to lead Christ’s flock, to give Pope Leo every grace and blessing!