Community Corner
Diocese Of Trenton 'Rejoices’ In Election Of 1st U.S.-Born Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV
To commemorate the historic election a Mass of Thanksgiving will be held on Saturday in St. Gregory the Great Church, Hamilton Square.
MERCER COUNTY, NJ – The Diocese of Trenton erupted in celebration on Thursday, when the College of Cardinals elected history’s first U.S.-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV.
A native of Chicago, Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected successor to Pope Francis.
“Today, the Diocese of Trenton rejoices and gives thanks to God for the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. This momentous occasion marks the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Church, filled with hope and renewed commitment to our faith,” Bishop David M. O’Connell said.
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“Pope Leo XIV has been chosen to lead us with wisdom, compassion, fidelity and holiness. We are confident that under his leadership, the Church will continue to grow in unity, love, and service to all humanity.”
Prevost, who was raised in Dolton, completed his secondary studies at the minor seminary of the Order of St. Augustine in 1973. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics at Villanova University in 1977. Prevost was ordained a priest in 1982.
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He spent his career ministering in Peru, is a member of the Augustinian religious order.
O’Connell asked the faithful to pray for Pope Leo’s strength and guidance as he shepherds the global Catholic community.
“May the Holy Spirit inspire him in his mission to bring peace, justice and the light of Christ to every corner of the world. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV and pledge our unwavering support and prayers as he begins his papacy. Together, let us move forward in faith and hope, embracing the teachings of Christ and working towards a brighter future for all,” O’Connell said.
To commemorate the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, O’Connell will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving Saturday, May 10, at 5 p.m. in St. Gregory the Great Church, Hamilton Square.
The Diocese will also livestream the Mass in English with Spanish translation on the diocesan Facebook pages and on youtube.com/trentondiocese.
St. Gregory the Great Church is located at 4620 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square.
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