ACN and CAFOD welcome Pope Leo XIV

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Source: ACN

The director of CAFOD, Christine Allen, and national director of Aid to the Church in Need (UK) Dr Caroline Hull, were both in St Peter's Square when the election of the new Pope was announced today.

Dr Hull was in Rome with more than 1,000 supporters of ACN from 23 different countries for the charity's jubilee pilgrimage.

She said: "We welcome our newly elected spiritual leader, Pope Leo, and we join with Catholics throughout the world in prayer for this blessed and brave successor to St Peter. In his very first address to Catholics and all people of good will around the world, Pope Leo chose to focus on God's unconditional love for all people and especially those who suffer. Viva il Papa."

"As a pontifical foundation, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) relies heavily on the support and guidance of the Holy Father, especially on his love and prayers for all those who suffer for their faith."

Aid to the Church in Need was elevated to a foundation of pontifical right by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011. As a pontifical foundation, the charity's constitution and structures are subject to the direct oversight of the pope and the Holy See - Cardinal Mauro Piacenza is ACN's president, a role he was given by Pope Benedict.

Christine Allen, Director and Chief Executive of CAFOD said: "Pope Leo XIV, will be a voice of wisdom in a fractured and divided world, as he continues the important work of leading the church in the world and providing spiritual and moral guidance to the global community. Having spent years in Peru, Pope Leo XIV, brings with him the vital perspective of the Global South, elevating voices from the margins to centre stage.

"Now more than ever the world needs a strong and steadfast moral voice that can draw attention to the most important issues in our world: the crippling debt crisis - a key focus of this Jubilee Year - which prevents low-income countries from spending on health and education for their people; the climate crisis and the conflicts blighting our world.

"This election reflected a global Church, with cardinals from every corner of the world voting - bringing a broader outlook to addressing today's global issues.

"Saint Pope John Paul II, and Popes Benedict and Francis all spoke powerfully on climate change and the debt crisis as two of the most pressing issues of their time, and we look forward to working with the Vatican and Pope Leo XIV, to continue and strengthen this work in response to today's challenges.

"The Pope is the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics, and an important player on the global stage. He is one of the few people who can bridge political divides and bring world leaders together for the common good.

"He will be in our prayers."