Bishop John Doerfler's statement on election of Pope Leo XIV

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
 
It was a joy to hear these words:
 
"I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope! The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord, Lord Robert Francis, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost, who takes to himself the name Leo XIV.”
 
With these words, our new Holy Father has been introduced to us. Let us thank the Lord for giving us a shepherd, and let us pledge to pray for the pope regularly.
 
Leading up to the conclave, there was much discussion about who the next pope will be and what qualities the pope should have. Ultimately, as Bishop Baraga’s motto reminds us, only one thing is necessary: Jesus!
 
In other words, the most important quality of a pope - in fact the most important quality for any of us - is holiness. This is why our prayers for the pope are so important.
 
No human being can fulfill the office of pope by mere human efforts. The holier he is, the more he relies on God, the more he allows himself to be led by the Holy Spirit, the more the Lord will work through him to shepherd the Church.
 
Popes are human beings whom the Lord chooses to shepherd his people. Let us pray for the pope that he may be a holy shepherd after the Lord’s own heart.
 
Sincerely in Christ,
 
+Most Reverend John F. Doerfler
Bishop of Marquette