Bishop Gregory Parkes celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on May 18, 2025, the same day as the Inauguration Mass for our new Holy Father at St. Peter’s Square.

Listen to the Bishop’s Homily about Pope Leo XIV

Caption: Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV. Photo by Dana Rozance.

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg joins the global community in celebrating a new pope. The College of Cardinals, gathered for the Conclave in the Sistine Chapel, has chosen Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, the Chicago-born prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis. He was elected the 267th pope on May 8th and took the name Pope Leo XIV. He succeeds Pope Francis, who faithfully served as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church from his election on March 13, 2013, until his death on April 21, 2025.

Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg remarked, “May God bless our new Holy Father. I pray that his ministry will unite the human family in pursuit of peace and the common good of people of every race, religion, and language. “

Bishop Parkes invites all Catholics and people of goodwill to join in prayer and support for Cardinal Prevost.

The election process, which began on May 7th, concluded with the traditional white smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful election of the new Pope. “Habemus Papam!” is the Latin phrase that means “We have a Pope!” and is traditionally announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica once a new pope has been elected.

The election of a new Roman Pontiff (from the Latin pontifex, meaning “bridge builder”) marks a significant moment in the history and future of the Catholic Church, a global community comprised of approximately 1.4 billion people, dedicated to the Church’s mission of spreading the Gospel and serving humanity. 

Cardinal Prevost is the 266th successor of St. Peter, the apostle chosen by Jesus to be the head of his church. His other titles include Holy Father, Servant of the Servants of God, Bishop of Rome, and Vicar of Christ (vicar means representative).

Pope Leo XIV’s First Words

In his first greeting to the world, he began, “Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you.” Read more here.

Photo caption: Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves to the crowds in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)