'With joy and thanksgiving, we welcome our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV' CHARIS England and Wales rejoices in new shepherd

Habemus Papam! Hallelujah!

CNSC coordinator Abhy Thomas says the selection of new Pope Leo XIV is 'a moment of great grace', showing that the Holy Spirit is truly in charge of the Church.

With joy and thanksgiving, we welcome our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. This is a moment of great grace.

Once again, the Holy Spirit has led the Church and surprised the world. It is a powerful witness that the Holy Spirit is truly in charge of the Church — choosing the right shepherd at the right time.

The Holy Spirit continues the mission of Christ through the Church. As He did with Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope John Paul II, and all the successor of St. Peter, He does so again — choosing not what the world expects, but who the Church needs for such a time as this.

'The Spirit is alive and active'

This is God’s Church, and the Spirit is alive and active in her — guiding her, anointing her leaders, and sending her out on mission.

I was deeply moved these past few days — from being present in Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral, praying alongside each of you for the Cardinals and the future of the Church, to now witnessing the election of the first Augustinian, first American-born missionary Pope from Peru.

Even from his first appearance, Pope Leo XIV radiated humility, peace, and firm faith. His first words were about a relationship with the person of Christ, about hope, and about the need for the Church to open her heart again to the Holy Spirit:

“God loves us. God loves you all. Evil will not prevail. We are all in God’s hands. So, without fear, hand in hand with God and with one another, let us move forward.”

Let us pray for Pope Leo XIV

This is our call too: to be led by the Holy Spirit — to be open, courageous, joyful, and on mission.

Pope Leo XIV calls us to be a Church that builds bridges, embraces dialogue, and reaches out with love to all. He envisions a missionary Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, bringing peace and hope to the world.

Let us unite in prayer for our new Holy Father and for the whole Church — that together we may walk in the power of the Spirit and shine as beacons of hope in the world. 

Join me in praying for Pope Leo XIV.