Press Release - Statement on the Election of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV

May 8, 2025

Westerville, OH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOVEboldly joins with people of faith around the world, particularly our Catholic siblings in welcoming the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. The new pope, an American originally from Chicago and a member of the Order of St. Augustine, is well known for his commitment to the poor and marginalized, particularly through his work in Peru.

"Pope Leo XVI is considered a quiet centrist who has nevertheless been supportive of Pope Francis and critical of other world leaders," said LOVEboldly's executive director, the Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp. "That said, we know less about his thoughts on the LGBTQIA+ community."

"We pray that he continues his predecessor's legacy of making the Catholic Church more and more open for all its members," Huelskamp added.

Traditionally, popes have chosen papal names based on their association with or reverence for the work of a saint or previous pope. Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903) fought for the rights of workers and the right of workers to unionize while maintaining equal criticism of both capitalism and socialism. Based on his commitments and work in his life to date, LOVEboldly joins others in wondering and hoping that Pope Leo XIV will also be an advocate for the poor, the worker, and the immigrant.

May God bless Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic Church as they move forward together.

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