MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Archbishop Socrates Villegas of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan encouraged the faithful in the province to look past race, nationality and political labels in welcoming Pope Leo XIV, formerly US Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, as the new head of the Catholic Church.
Calling the new pontiff “a grace of hope,” Villegas encouraged the faithful to give Pope Leo XIV the chance to love, teach, and lead them to Christ.
“Let us rise above labels of liberals and conservatives. He is our Pope. We owe him our obedience as we would obey Christ. Let us unite. We have a Pope. Let not the Pope frighten us. He is a grace of hope. He is our answered prayer,” Villegas posted on his official social media account on Friday.
“The wait is over. Let us thank God for answering our prayers. We have a Pope. The Pope is God’s gift to the Church. The Pope is grace in flesh and blood to unite us, grace to guide us, and grace to lead us to Jesus. He is given by God for us to increase our faith in His promise, ‘I will be with you until the end of time’,” he said.
Reflecting on the legacy of the last Pope to carry the name Leo, Villegas expressed optimism that Pope Leo XIV will continue championing the Gospel through social transformation and respect for human dignity.
Pope Leo XIV was elected on the fourth ballot by 133 cardinal electors, including Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
His election was formally announced from St. Peter’s Basilica by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti, with the formula “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum, habemus Papam.” (PNA)
By Hilda Austria
Source: PNA
