Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) joins Catholics around the world in celebrating the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, Successor of St Peter as leader of the Catholic Church.
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:10pm (Rome time) today, signalling to the world that the College of Cardinals had elected a new pontiff following the death of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis.
Cardinal Prevost, aged 69 was born in Chicago in the United States. He previously served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and has taken the papal name Leo. This choice of name holds profound significance for Catholic Social Services, as it evokes the legacy of Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903), whose landmark encyclical “Rerum Novarum” established the foundations of modern Catholic Social Teaching and articulated the Church’s commitment to human dignity and social justice – principles that continue to guide CSSA’s mission of service to the vulnerable and marginalised throughout Australia.
Dr Jerry Nockles, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Australia, expressed profound joy at the announcement.
“In this moment of divine providence, we witness the beauty of our faith’s continuity while embracing the fresh perspective Pope Leo brings to our global Catholic family,” Dr Nockles said. “His election comes at a critical time when our world yearns for compassionate leadership grounded in the Gospel values of justice, dignity, and solidarity with the vulnerable.”
“At a time when Australia and indeed the world faces unprecedented social challenges – from growing inequality to escalating violence and social division – Pope Leo’s election offers a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that the Church stands firmly for peace and with those on the margins. His voice will undoubtedly challenge us all to build a more just and peaceful society where every person’s dignity is honoured, and peace is actively pursued.”
CSSA Chair Peter Monaghan emphasised the significance of this moment for Catholic social service organisations across Australia.
“The election of Pope Leo renews our commitment to building a more just and compassionate society in the spirit of Catholic Social Teaching,” Mr Monaghan said. “We look forward to his guidance as we continue our work of accompaniment with those experiencing disadvantage and marginalisation throughout Australia.
Catholic Social Services Australia, representing a network of Catholic social service organisations that support vulnerable Australians through more than 700 service delivery sites nationwide, pledges its faithful devotion to the new Holy Father and commits to advancing his vision for a Church that reaches out to the peripheries of society.
As we welcome this new chapter in our Church’s history, CSSA reaffirms its dedication to embodying the Gospel imperatives of love, justice, and hope. In a world often marked by division and uncertainty, the election of Pope Leo stands as a beacon of unity and renewed purpose, inspiring us all to continue Christ’s mission of bringing healing and dignity to those most in need across Australian communities.