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.
In Thanksgiving for our new pope, Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate Mass today at 2:15 with diocesan leaders, students, faculty, and staff at St. Petersburg Catholic High School’s chapel. The school is located at 6333 9th Avenue N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710. If you plan to attend, please check in at the main office, at the front entrance of the school. Interviews will be available following the Mass. The media are welcome to cover.
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 267th 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).
| 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) |
About the Diocese of St. Petersburg
The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is comprised of nearly 500,000 Catholics, more than 300,000 of whom are registered, within the five counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus. It includes 75 parishes, 5 missions, 47 schools and early learning centers, and a variety of social services, health care, housing, and pastoral ministries. Mass is celebrated regularly in 13 languages, and we are led by Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, who was installed as the fifth bishop of the Diocese on January 4, 2017
The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg is dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. Through worship, prayer, service, and faith, the Diocese seeks to promote the teachings of the Catholic Church and support the common good.