“The new pontiff chose the name Leo, evoking the memory of Leo XIII, the great Pope of the encyclical ‘Rerum Novarum’. This name makes us dream of a pontificate marked by attention to the most vulnerable and the promotion of social justice, a theme dear to the legacy Pope Francis leaves us,” stated José Ornelas, also president of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, in a note sent to the media.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, was elected as the new Pope today after two days of conclave in Vatican City, taking the name Leo XIV.
Born in Chicago, United States, the new Pope has Spanish ancestry and Peruvian nationality and belongs to the Order of Saint Augustine.
Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
“The fact that Pope Leo XIV belongs to the Order of Saint Augustine, patron of our Diocese of Leiria-Fátima, particularly touches us. We feel there is a spiritual connection that brings us closer, and that the Holy Father, with his Augustinian charisma, can bring a message of deep interiority and search for truth to the world,” José Ornelas emphasized.
The bishop expressed particular emotion when the new Pope prayed a Hail Mary at the end of his presentation in St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
“This simple and meaningful gesture reveals his Marian heart and makes us think of Fatima, trusting that Our Lady will accompany him in this new mission,” highlighted the head of the Diocese of Leiria-Fátima.
José Ornelas added that he had “the grace to know Pope Leo XIV when both” served as general superiors in their respective congregations.
“On several occasions, I witnessed his humanity, his profound spiritual life, and his vast missionary experience,” the prelate emphasized.
For the bishop of Leiria-Fátima, “the Church is in good hands.”
“We pray for him, asking God to enlighten him, strengthen him, and grant him the joy of being a good shepherd, guiding God’s people with love and wisdom,” he added, noting that “the choice of the Holy Father is a sign of the presence and action of the Holy Spirit in guiding the Church.”
