The Catholic Church has a new leader — and his selection came as a surprise to many around the world. On Thursday, May 8, Robert Francis Prevost, 69, became the first American-born pope. Prevost will go by the name of Pope Leo XIV. He was elected on day two of the papal conclave, which was held at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
In response to the news, Michael Burbidge, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, issued a statement. “With profound gratitude to Almighty God, I join the universal Church in thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV. As the Bishop of Rome and Successor of Saint Peter, our Holy Father is for the entire world the visible principle of Christian unity. I encourage everyone in our families, parishes, and schools to offer prayers, sacrifices, and works of charity for Pope Leo XIV and his intentions,” Burbidge said.
Burbidge is holding a Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington. It will be Monday, May 12, at 12:05 p.m. The mass will also be available via livestream for those unable to attend in person.
“Through this celebration of the Holy Eucharist, we can support our Holy Father in a special way, asking Almighty God to grant that he may always bear witness to the truth, joy, and beauty of the Gospel with courage, steadfastness, and wisdom,” Burbidge said.
The Diocese of Arlington is comprised of 70 parishes in the Northern Virginia area. Founded 1974, the diocese consists of 446,500 registered Catholics and more than 275 priests.
Feature image of Robert Francis Prevost courtesy dpa/Alamy Stock Photo
