Archbishop of Imphal Appeals for Thanksgiving and Prayer for New Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV on May 10

Imphal, May 9: Dr. Linus Neli, JCD, Archbishop of Imphal, has called upon all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Imphal to come together in prayer and offer a Holy Mass of thanksgiving on Saturday, May 10, in their respective parishes and institutions. This initiative is in celebration and support of the newly elected Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, as he begins his pontificate.

Most Reverend Dr. Linus Neli, D.D., stated that with hearts full of gratitude and joy, “we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord (Ps. 100:4) for the precious gift of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, to the Church and the world.”

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. He is the son of Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martinez, of Spanish descent. He is the first Pope from the Order of Saint Augustine and the second Roman Pontiff from the Americas, following the late Pope Francis.

Describing him as a man deeply rooted in the Augustinian religious tradition, Archbishop Neli noted that Pope Leo XIV served with love and dedication as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine for two terms. On January 30, 2023, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He was elevated to the rank of Archbishop and later, on September 30, 2024, created Cardinal by Pope Francis during a consistory.

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The Archbishop stated that, guided by the Holy Spirit, the Lord has now entrusted Pope Leo XIV with the Petrine ministry to strengthen the faithful around the world. In choosing the name “Leo,” the new Pope evokes the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, renowned for his intellectual depth and foundational work in Catholic social teaching. Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate is expected to be marked by moral clarity and a commitment to justice, human dignity, and the common good amid today’s challenges.

Archbishop Neli described Pope Leo XIV’s papacy as one of hope, bringing “healing where there is hurt, clarity where there is confusion, and deep spiritual renewal.” This mission is encapsulated in his motto: In Illo Uno Unum (“Although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one”).

The Archbishop also highlighted the Pope’s first address to the world, which delivered a powerful message of hope and courage: “Evil will not prevail; we are in the hands of God. So without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we go forward.” This reminder, he said, calls each of us to renew our trust in God’s promises and to stand together in faith, especially during times of hardship and uncertainty.

The Most Reverend concluded by praying that the Lord may bless the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, with wisdom, strength, and grace to lead the Church in truth and love.