Welcoming Pope Leo XIV

We extend a heartfelt and warm welcome to Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected person chosen to lead the Catholic Church by the cardinals gathered in Rome. 

Here, our director Patrick O’Dowd, talks more about our hopes for the future and the importance of our mission to continue to work alongside the most vulnerable members of our community… 

We rejoice in the election of Pope Leo XIV as the successor of St. Peter, and with it, the renewal of our shared commitment to the Church’s ongoing social mission. His election brings a moment joy and inspiration for all of us as we continue to live out the Gospel’s call to serve those most in need.  

As we continue this Jubilee Year with its theme of Hope, we are reminded of the pivotal role that the Church plays in advancing peace, justice and promoting human dignity. We look forward to working with our new Pope and the whole Church to deepen our collective efforts in building a world where all people are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. 

We also remember and give thanks to God for the life and ministry of Pope Francis.  Compassion, mercy and commitment to the dignity of every human being underpinned Pope Francis’ entire ministry, reminding all of us of the innate worth of every person, whatever their background, current situation or whichever community they are from.  We pray for his eternal rest.   

The election of a new Pope is a time of both continuity and change and is always accompanied with a renewed hopefulness. At Caritas Salford, our dedication to our mission remains steadfast. We continue to work and advocate for a place where all people can live safely and securely and envision a world where the voices of those experiencing poverty are not only heard but also acted upon. We seek to influence systems and decisions that impact the lives of those in need. 

With the number of people facing poverty growing in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, there is an urgent need for collective action to support our neighbours, friends and fellow community members who may find themselves in challenging circumstances.  People who aren’t just a number or faceless statistic, they are the person at the bus stop next to us, the person cheering on their daughter in the football match – anyone can find themselves in a challenging situation at any time. 

This commitment lies at the core of our mission and we will remain dedicated working towards a more just and peaceful world. 

We pray for Pope Leo XIV, asking God to grant him strength, wisdom, and charity as he guides, shepherds, and leads the Church, especially in these times of global uncertainty. In unity with our Bishop, John, and under his leadership in the Diocese of Salford, we pray that together we may fulfil our mission to support all those in Greater Manchester and Lancashire who are facing poverty, homelessness, displacement, or disadvantage.