Habemus Papam! (Memo U2425-099)

Ateneo de Manila University welcomes the election of Pope Leo XIV with joy and prayerful support. In this moment of grace, we reaffirm our commitment to serve Christ and the Church.

We are grateful that Pope Leo XIV has accepted the momentous responsibility of shepherding the Catholic Church, and grateful to the College of Cardinals for their deliberate discernment led by the Holy Spirit.

We are moved and inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s first address, which includes:

Peace be with you! This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarmed peace and a disarming, humble and persevering peace. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally.

To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always tries to be close especially to those who suffer.

The Society of Jesus was born to serve the mission of the Church under the direction of the Pope.  As a Jesuit university, Ateneo looks to the challenges and hopes of the world today, and we renew our commitment to serve Christ and the Church under the pastoral leadership of our new Holy Father.  With Pope Leo XIV, the successor of Peter, we offer our prayers and actions to bring Christ’s light to those most in need.

Along with the faithful around the world, let us continually keep Pope Leo XIV and his intentions in our prayers.