We, the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, join the global Catholic Church in mourning our beloved Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025. His revolutionary leadership opened the Church through dialogue, challenged clericalism, and championed “a poor church for the poor.” His encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti called us to environmental stewardship and social justice, teaching us that “The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all.”

We extend heartfelt congratulations to Cardinal Robert F. Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pope. As an Augustinian missionary who served decades in Peru—close to our hearts through our Santa Angela Merici School in Callao—Pope Leo XIV brings deep pastoral experience and calls us to be “a synodal church, a church that walks together.” His first words, “Peace be with you all!” affirm Pope Francis’s Gospel message of peace and outreach.

We pray that Pope Leo XIV will continue addressing the climate crisis, extending mercy to refugees and migrants, and supporting human dignity for all people, especially those on the margins. In this historic moment, we offer our support and prayers as he begins his pontificate with wisdom, courage, and compassion.