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Senators on Pope Leo XIV’s accession: ‘A beacon of hope for Christians, the world’
Senators on Pope Leo XIV’s accession: ‘A beacon of hope for Christians, the world’
Senators on Friday, May 9 expressed elation at the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new Bishop of Rome and shepherd of the Roman Catholic Church.
“The historic ascension of Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Pope marks a new chapter for the Church, offering hope and optimism to many. For Catholics across the globe, it is an opportunity to reaffirm and rekindle a faith tested by challenges and uncertainties,” Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said.
“As the Philippines, the only Christian nation in Asia, continues to stand firm in its faith, I pray that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV may inspire and lead us as we navigate the challenges that we face as a nation,” the Senate leader said.
Beyond his role as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, Escudero said the Pope serves as a moral compass in a rapidly changing world—advocating for peace, justice, and compassion.
And as head of state of the Vatican, the Pope is a powerful voice in international affairs, fostering dialogue among nations and promoting humanitarian efforts, the lawmaker stressed.
“The new Pope represents a beacon of hope, not only for Christendom but for all of humanity, as we strive to build a world where peace prevails, wars cease, kindness flourishes, and hatred dissipates,” he said.
In a time when societies are fractured by discord and nations grapple with hostility, Escudero said Christians all over the world will look to him to help mend these divisions by championing the beauty of diversity.
“Where minorities face alienation due to intolerance, we pray that he will stand as a powerful voice for inclusivity. Where the poor are further marginalized, we will follow his lead in halting the erosion of opportunities and ensuring justice for all,” he said.
“As wars rage and poverty looms, never in the point of our history has the collective yearning for a better world—shared by people of all faiths, creeds, and colors—been more urgent,” he further stressed.
Sen. Loren Legarda echoed the Senate chief’s statement: “We join Catholics around the world in joyful prayer as Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy. May his leadership be marked by compassion, wisdom, and a deep commitment to peace.”
“As the Church turns a new page, we pray that Pope Leo XIV will be a strong voice for social justice—defending human dignity, lifting the poor and the vulnerable, and protecting our shared home,” Legarda said.
“In these challenging times, may he lead the faithful with courage, always guided by kindness,” she added.
The Chicago-born Prevost succeeded Argentine reformer Pope Francis and adopted the papal name Leo XIV after cardinals from around the world elected him leader of the 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.
Prevost is the first pope from the United States. However, the Pope had earlier been a known critic of US President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies. Despite this, Trump welcomed and congratulated him on his election.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said he believes the election of Pope Leo XIV a “historic moment’ that holds “deep meaning not only for predominantly Catholic nations like the Philippines but also for all who uphold compassion, unity, and moral leadership.”
“May his papacy inspire kindness, justice, and peace in every corner of the world. Umaasa at taimtim tayong nananalangin na ang kanyang pamumuno sa Simbahang Katolika ay magsusulong ng diyalogo at pagkakaisa na higit na kailangan ng mundo ngayon (We hope and sincerely pray that his leadership of the Catholic Church will promote the dialogue and unity that the world needs more than ever today),” Gatchalian said.
Reelectionist Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid also expressed hope that the new Pope would be an instrument of God to protect the faithful.
“Nawa ay maging kasangkapan siya ng Maykapal upang mapangalagaan ang mga mananampalataya, pangunahan ang simbahan na malampasan ang mga krisis na kinakaharap ng mundo, maging tinig ng mga naaapi, at liwanag sa mga naghahanap ng gabay (May he be an instrument of God to protect the faithful, lead the church to overcome the crises facing the world, be a voice for the oppressed, and a light to those seeking guidance),” Lapid said.
