Religious Education and Social Justice

Our New Pope

As we reflect on the passing of Pope Francis, we give thanks for the impact he had as our Holy Father over the past twelve years. Pope Francis displayed a heart for the poor, prayed unceasingly for peace and cared deeply for creation and the environment.

On 8th May, the College of Cardinals elected a new pope:  Pope Leo XIV. He is a dual citizen of the USA and Peru, making him the first Pope from the USA and the second from South America (Pope Francis being the first). He is also the first Pope from the Order of St Augustine.  

Pope Francis and Pope Leo have much in common, especially their extensive work with the poor and disadvantaged. Pope Leo has spent many years working with the disadvantaged in Peru. He became the Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru in 2015. 

From a young age, Pope Leo wanted to be a Priest – often playing ‘priest’ using an ironing board as an altar! He has a Degree in Mathematics, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctorate in Canon Law. He speaks Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, some German, and of course, English. He can also read Latin. Pope Leo loves to play tennis, read, travel, discover new places, and challenge his brothers at Wordle and Words with Friends.  

I enjoy relaxing with friends and meeting a diverse range of people whose gifts I learn from and appreciate greatly. –Pope Leo, 2023.

Prayer for Pope Leo

We pray that Pope Leo XIV 

be strengthened in his ministry. 

May he continue building bridges 

that connect us to one another. 

May he be an example of faith, hope and love. We pray that you give him joy in his work 

and a renewed fervor for your Gospel message. May he never lose sight of Christ who walks before us and among us — 

particularly in the most vulnerable,

 the forgotten and the outcast.  

Christ Jesus, bless Pope Leo XIV — 

and bless us, your holy people, 

as together we strive 

to be your Body in our wounded world.

Amen.   

Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation

Please pray for the children in our parish community receiving the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation over the next few weeks. We pray that they are guided by the Holy Spirit as they take these next steps in their faith journeys.

Jane Wilkinson

Religious Education Leader