Welcoming Pope Leo XIV: A New Chapter of Hope
For Immediate Release (May 9, 2025) – Omaha, NE — With hearts full of hope, the Notre Dame Sisters welcome Pope Leo XIV, the first American to be elected as Supreme Pontiff and a servant-leader who has already shown humility, compassion, and courage. As he stood on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square and invoked the legacy of Pope Francis, we were moved by his call for the Church to be “a church that works together to build bridges and to keep our arms open.”
Pope Leo’s message—delivered with kindness and conviction—is one that resonates deeply with our own charism and mission. Like the open piazza he referenced, we too believe in creating spaces of welcome, charity, and dialogue for all people, especially those at the margins. His words reflect a commitment to walking with others, suffering alongside them, and building a Church that is close to the people it serves—not distant or elevated, but rooted in humility and service.
His election marks a great moment in history and signals a continued journey toward a Church that listens, welcomes, and advocates. We are particularly encouraged by his dedication to social justice, his unwavering support for migrants and the poor, and his bold leadership on the urgent issue of climate change. These priorities align with the Gospel call we strive to live every day.
In a time of deep division and uncertainty, Pope Leo’s voice reminds us that love, mercy, and human dignity must guide our actions as individuals, communities, and a global Church. May the Spirit guide him as he leads us forward with grace, and may we all remain faithful to the call of building bridges.
With gratitude and prayer,
The Notre Dame Sisters
Omaha, Nebraska
About The Notre Dame Sisters
We are a group of consecrated Catholic women dedicated to serving God, each other and our world. Through our service and ministries, we strive to meet the unmet needs of those in our community and throughout the world. As we continue to respond to the call of Christ as women of faith and prayer, we commit ourselves to building a world Christian community in joyful, loving service to others. We have served in Omaha for more than 100 years, mostly as educators, nurses, and social workers.