Acceptance Sydney gives thanks to God for the election of our new Pontiff, Pope
Leo XIV, a native of the United States who served the Church for many years in
Peru. We offer our heartfelt prayers for his ministry and leadership at this pivotal
moment in the life of the Church.

We pray that Pope Leo XIV will continue to guide the Church in the spirit of Pope
Francis—towards a synodal, compassionate, and hope-filled future.

It is our heartfelt hope that the new Pontiff will carry forward the inclusive vision of his
predecessor, particularly in affirming and accompanying LGBTQIA+ Catholics with
dignity, respect, and love.

As members of the people of God, we look to the future with renewed hope, trusting
in the Holy Spirit’s work through Pope Leo XIV for a Church that listens, welcomes,
and serves all.

We take comfort in the words of the Holy Father, spoken during his first Apostolic
Blessing this morning from St. Peter’s Basilica:

“We have to look together at how
to be a missionary Church—building bridges, engaging in dialogue, always
ready to receive others with open arms. Like this square, open to all—to all
who need our charity, our presence, our dialogue, our love.”

May we be inspired by his words to live this call.

May Our Lady, Mother of the Church, accompany and guide our new Holy Father as
he begins his ministry as the Vicar of Christ.