Pope Leo XIV (Photo: Vatican Media)
In a note published on Thursday, May 8, 2025, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), expressed joy and deep gratitude to the Lord for the new Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. Download the note EN | IT
“With great joy and deep gratitude to the Lord, we welcome the news of the election of the new Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, a visible sign of unity and universality of the Catholic Church. This event comes to illuminate the path of the Church after the passing of Pope Francis, to whom we once again express our gratitude and prayers.
As bishops of the European Union, we rejoice in once again being able to count on the guidance of the Successor of Peter, whose election represents a living testimony of the universality of the Church, which in every time and place recognises in its pastors the voice of the Holy Spirit who guides and sustains it.
The election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost to the Pontifical Throne is a tangible sign of this apostolic continuity and the deep bond that unites all Christian communities to the Vicar of Christ.
For all of us, for COMECE, today is a day of celebration and gratitude. We look forward with hope and confidence to the opportunity to meet the Holy Father, to receive from him encouragement and guidance in our mission of dialogue with the institutions of the European Union. In an international context marked by a plurality of crises and common challenges, our desire is to walk a common path, to journey together, supporting the Pontiff in his work.
In the meantime, we assure our prayers for Pope Leo XIV, invoking upon him the light and strength of the Holy Spirit so that he may carry out his ministry with wisdom and charity, renewing hearts and strengthening faith in the Risen Lord.”