When Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, his words of peace rippled far beyond the square. From every continent, Catholics and people of goodwill responded not only with applause, but with prayer. These prayers, gathered by the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, form a kind of global benediction: a shared hope for a Church that listens, loves, and leads with courage.
In the days following his election, responses arrived from around the world—from El Paso to Singapore, Kenya to Venezuela. These voices reflect the Church in its richness and diversity, united by a desire for a papacy rooted in compassion, justice, and care for creation.
Below is a small selection of the messages we received. Together, they reveal the contours of a Church on the move.
A Church for the Whole World
“Welcome to a pope who knows North and South, rich and poor, inner and outer, and can bring unity for peace.” —Sandra, Italy
“We warmly welcome Pope Leo XIV. This is history in the making. I sense a balanced leader who may integrate the Church of modern times while remaining rooted in tradition. May the Great Lord bless him with good health- long life full of dedication to service, vision for the next century and wisdom to navigate challenges and remain a positive influence to better the world particularly, the marginalized- poor and vulnerable. .” —Ntlantla, South Africa
“The universality of the Catholic Church is real—it is a bridge of true love for our common home: peace, justice, and openness.” —Sulle, Indonesia
Rooted in Justice and Mission
“I hope Pope Leo continues the work of Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum to care for the worker, and Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’, to care for creation.” —Glenn, Singapore
“My hopes include promoting social justice, building interfaith dialogue, and inspiring us to care more deeply for the planet and each other.” —Lima, India
“May he lead the Church in compassion, unity, and reform—with a renewed commitment to the poor and to environmental stewardship.” —Michael, Uganda
A Church of Peace and Simplicity
“Dear God, may the new shepherd, Pope Leo XIV, be guided by divine wisdom. May his service unite the human family in justice, peace, and care for creation. I pray for a synodal Church that transcends barriers of gender, class, and ethnicity, and radiates the joy of compassion and fraternity.” —Jyotisha, India
“I pray that the Pope finds strength in Christ the Good Shepherd. May he guide us with love and compassion. I promise to pray for him daily.” —Sr. Mary, Kenya
“May we continue to walk together on the path of hope, love, unity, and peace.” —Marjory, Haiti
“May Pope Leo breathe, act, and love through the Holy Spirit, and be guarded in holiness.” —Jansi, India
A Church That Cares for Our Common Home
“That the Church will continue to advocate for the poor and create a world where creation is appreciated.” —Sr. Irene, Kenya
“Laudato Si, my Lord, for giving us a pope who reminds us to live in reciprocity with all creation. May he move people to action for social justice and remind the world: God First.” —Linda, United States
“As a lifelong Catholic and Laudato Si’ Animator, I was transformed by Laudato Si’. I hope Pope Leo can show us how to care for each other and the world in our daily lives.” —Patricia, United States
“We commit to continuing our work for environmental justice through sustainable agriculture and circular economy models.” —Armando Javier, Mexico
A Living Church, Listening Deeply
“That we may build a Church of everyone—without discrimination, racism, or exclusion. One that reforms structures of power into true service.” —Jose Alberto, Mexico
“May the Pope be a living model of prayer, simplicity, and service. A servant of the servants of God.” —Catherine, Italy
“With deep respect and great hope, we pray that Pope Leo XIV embraces this role with courage and love. May he empower young people and the marginalized to contribute to lasting peace.” —Ivonny, Indonesia
“I entrust Pope Leo to God’s care. May Mary, our mother, guide him in his ministry.” —Sr. Mary, Kenya
The Journey Ahead
These reflections, humble and heartfelt, show a Church that is alive, diverse, and deeply united in hope. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ and embark on a new papal chapter, we carry these prayers forward with us.
The cry is clear: we are ready to walk together. Pope Leo XIV, may your path be blessed. And may we all walk with you—toward justice, toward peace, toward home.
Several participants’ responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Featured photography: Pope Leo XIV – Audience For Journalists © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk