(ANS – RMG) – With joy and gratitude, the Salesian Congregation welcomes the election of Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost, as the 267th Successor of Peter. 

From the Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, his first words—“Peace be with you. God loves everyone.”—echoed in the hearts of the faithful worldwide. A missionary at heart, son of St. Augustine, and former Prefect for Bishops, Pope Leo XIV brings humility, serenity, and pastoral closeness to his new ministry.

Elected by 133 cardinals from every continent, his roots span France, Italy, Spain, and the Americas. His choice of the name Leo recalls Leo XIII, pioneer of Catholic social teaching. He greeted the world in Italian, Spanish, and Latin, inviting all to unity, prayer, and service.

On behalf of the Salesian Congregation and the entire Salesian Family, the Rector Major has offered heartfelt greetings to the Holy Father at the start of his pontificate. In his message, the Rector Major assures the new Pope of our devotion, our prayers, invoking the Holy Spirit to guide him with wisdom and strength, that his ministry may be a beacon of hope, unity, and peace for the Church and the world.

Echoing Don Bosco, we affirm that every effort is little when it comes to the Church and the Papacy, and we entrust Pope Leo XIV to Mary Help of Christians.

Ad multos annos, Holy Father!

The full message of the Rector Major can be downloaded at the bottom of the page.

Download attachments:

A_Sua_SantitaY_LEONE_XIV.pdf (36 Downloads)

To_His_Holiness_LEO_XIV_ENG.pdf (21 Downloads)