FutureChurch Welcomes the Election of Pope Leo XIV with Hope
Russ Petrus, Executive Director
russ@futurechurch.org
Volume 40 Issue 4, 5 & 6 | Posted: July 26, 2025
FutureChurch joins Catholics around the world in a spirit of solidarity and hope in praying for Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, and our entire global community.
In his inaugural address to those gathered at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV declared: “We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges, dialogue, always open to receive like this square with open arms.” These words resonate deeply with our mission and are an invitation for all Catholics to continue building a synodal Church together.
At FutureChurch, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for the full and equal participation of all people in the life, ministry, and leadership of the Church. We pray that Pope Leo XIV will be an ally in this ongoing work and that his papacy will carry forward and deepen the vision of a listening, inclusive, loving, and missionary Church. His concluding words at the Vatican echo this hope: “To all of you, [people] of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks together, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always tries to be close especially to those who suffer.”
A Chicago native, Pope Leo XIV’s journey as a member of the Order of St. Augustine, a missionary bishop in Peru, and as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and fluency in multiple languages demonstrates a commitment to global outreach and service. His election is a hopeful sign that the Church will remain committed to centering the most vulnerable among us and addressing the urgent needs of our world today . We pray that his leadership will reflect the radical love of Jesus — inclusive, compassionate, and courageous.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, FutureChurch looks forward to continuing our important work and collaborating with this pontificate towards a more just Church and world.
Loving God,
We pray today for Pope Leo XIV,
called to guide our Church into a new chapter.
Give him a heart that listens deeply—
to Your Spirit,
to the people,
to the cries of the world.
Give him the courage to speak with honesty,
and the humility to lead with love.
Let him be a voice for justice,
a bridge between peoples,
a shepherd who walks with everyone. .
Inspire him to dream big—
of a Church that welcomes all,
that lifts up women
that protects creation
and seeks peace and justice with boldness.
Keep him grounded in the Gospel
and open to the winds of change You send.
May he help build a Church that truly looks like Jesus—
compassionate, inclusive, brave.
Holy Spirit, stay close to him.
And stay close to us too,
as we walk together toward the Church you’re calling us to be.
AMEN
Russ Petrus, Executive Director
russ@futurechurch.org