“And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out!”

(Matthew 16:18. The Message)

The Jesuit Institute South Africa rejoices at the election of Pope Leo XIV

“Annuncium vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus Papam.” With these words, the world heard that a successor of St Peter had been elected to become the Vicar of Christ: “We announce to you with great joy. We have a pope.” The 267th pope, originally from the United States of America, is now the universal pastor. He follows in an honoured line of illustrious predecessors, many of whom have been recognised by the Church as people of outstanding virtue and holiness—saints.

With intensified prayer, we have lived those liminal days between the death of our beloved Pope Francis and the election of his successor, when the Holy Spirit alone guided the Church. Faithful to their mandate, the cardinal electors have singled out a leader of outstanding qualities who will shepherd the Catholic flock for the rest of his natural life.

In the timeless Christian tradition, he will guide the Church through the coming years of change and uncertainty. Like his predecessor, Pope Francis, he will encourage and accompany the lost and the abandoned in the existential margins of our indifferent world. Following in the footsteps of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, he will teach and inspire, with the radicality of the Christian message, those who are powerful on the world stage.

The Jesuit Institute in South Africa prays for our new pastor. As lay partners and Jesuits, we look forward to continuing the synodal journey. We assure the church of our fidelity to our mission to inspire hope in a faith that does justice.