Bishop Duca's Statement on the Election of
Pope Leo XIV

The clergy and lay faithful of the Diocese of Baton Rouge join me in congratulating His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, on his election as Roman Pontiff!  His election is certainly a groundbreaking one since Pope Leo will serve as the first pope born in the United States; this election also brings great pride to the people of south Louisiana having learned of his ancestral roots here.  As his new name indicates, we look forward a pontificate that focuses on the rich social teaching of the Church, emphasizing solidarity, respect for the dignity of the human person, and a preferential option for the poor.  As he indicated in his first words to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, it is our common responsibility as a Church to proclaim the never-changing truth of the Gospel in these times through peace, unity, and missionary work through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  We thank God for giving us this new Shepherd, and we pray for him and his Petrine ministry that he will inspire us to live in the hope of the Gospel.
 
Bishop Michael G. Duca
Bishop of Baton Rouge