With joyful hearts,
the University of Santo Tomas
joins the universal Church in welcoming
His Holiness
Pope Leo XIV
who was elected on May 8, 2025,
following the sacred rites of the Conclave
and the traditional
proclamation “Habemus Papam!”
(“We have a Pope!”)
His Eminence
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost
of the Order of Saint Augustine,
having taken the name Leo the Fourteenth
is the 267th Pope and 266th Successor of Saint Peter,
Vicar of Christ, Bishop of Rome,
Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church,
Sovereign of the Vatican City State,
and Servant of the Servants of God.
He is also now the highest authority of our Pontifical University.
Prayer of Gratitude for the Gift of a New Pope
Lord Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd and High Priest,
we praise you and offer you our sincere gratitude
for calling Pope Leo XIV to serve as the shepherd of the universal church.
May he lead us as a loving shepherd
who cares for his flock and seeks out the lost sheep.
May he be for us a gentle and listening father,
a faithful teacher and a steward of your sacred mysteries.
Grant him health, strength, and wisdom.
Strengthen the bonds of unity among us
so that we may serve you as one body.
Purify us and sustain us in charity
for your love for us never fails.
Grant that we may boldly answer your call to mission.
You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
God forever and ever.
Amen.