Pope Francis with Robert Francis, Cardinal Prevost, now Leo XIV (Vatican Media)
A Statement from the Archbishop of York
I share in the great joy of our Roman Catholic sisters and
brothers in welcoming His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as the Bishop of Rome. With
Christians around the world, I will be praying for the new Pope as he takes on
the enormous challenges and responsibilities of the Petrine ministry.
Pope Leo XIV’s many years of pastoral experience, his
commitment to justice, and his deep spirituality are an example of life lived
in service to Jesus Christ. As Anglicans we give thanks for his call to
Christians to be bridge-builders across the divisions of our world, and the
divisions that continue to exist between churches. This is something Jesus asks
of us. He prays that the church will be one.
This evening, the new Pope spoke of a Church that seeks
peace and remains close to those who suffer. Our wounded world needs the
justice, healing and hope of Jesus Christ, and we look forward to working with
Pope Leo XIV and Roman Catholics in every place to share that love with those
in need.
I pray that God’s sustaining Spirit will uphold the new Pope
in his service of Christ.
