On Thursday 8 May, it was announced that Cardinal Robert Prevost is named Pope Leo XIV.
Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP, Apostolic Administrator of Liverpool said:
Dear brothers and sisters,
It is with a profound sense of joy and thanksgiving to God that we welcome the news of the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, the 267th successor of St Peter.
The Cardinal Electors, inspired by the Holy Spirit, have chosen a gifted and prayerful pastor to walk in the shoes of the fisherman to be a focus of unity for the Church today.
After the call and legacy of the late Pope Francis calling the Church to be missionary disciples and proclaim the joy of the Gospel, we as the Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Liverpool pledge our closeness in prayer and our support to Our Holy Father the Pope.
I invite all the faithful of the archdiocese, and men and women of good will to pray with me at this time.
O God pastor and ruler of all the faithful, look with mercy upon Pope Leo XIV who you have appointed to shepherd the Universal Church. Renew deep within him the spirit of Holiness to be the shepherd, the guide of the Church for the needs of the world today in 2025.
Through Christ our Lord Amen.
Holy Mary, mother of the Church, pray for us!
Saints Peter and Paul, apostles of Rome. Pray for us!
Archbishop- elect John Sherrington added:
I unite my prayer with Archbishop Malcolm and the people and clergy of the Archdiocese of Liverpool for Pope Leo XIV as the successor of St Peter and the shepherd of the Universal Church.
We rejoice in his election!
Mass will be celebrated at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King on Friday 9 May at 7pm.
