Most Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, with hearts full of joy and profound gratitude to God, we, the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd and our lay partners-in-mission, offer you our heartfelt wishes and prayers on your election as the Bishop of Rome, Successor of Peter and Shepherd of the Universal Church. We rejoice with the whole Church and the world as the Spirit’s breath has once again stirred the waters, gifting us with your leadership in this moment of history. Please be assured of our loving prayers as you begin this sacred ministry of guiding, healing, and uniting God’s people across every land.

Holy Father, we stand with you in the mission of reconciliation, compassion, and mercy, especially for those on the margins of society. Our hearts beat in deep solidarity with yours as you carry the weight of humanity’s hopes and sorrows, the cry of the poor, the wounded, the disempowered, and the excluded. May you be strengthened by the gentle power of the Risen Christ as you embody the tenderness of God to a fractured world, building bridges of dialogue, peace, and justice in every corner of our global family.

As women religious and lay partners committed to empowering women and girls, restoring dignity to the vulnerable, and proclaiming the Good News of God’s inclusive love, we draw inspiration from your courage, humility, and hopes. We pledge to walk with you, in synodality, Holy Father, co-creating spaces of contemplative listening, belonging, prophetic witness, and transformative action. May your voice awaken hearts to mercy; may your hands continue to bless, lift, and embrace; may your leadership shine as a beacon of hope for all who long for healing and homecoming.

With Mary, Mother of the Church, St. John Eudes, St. Mary Euphrasia, and Blessed Aguchita, we entrust you to God’s providential care. May the Holy Spirit grant you wisdom, joy, and deep peace in shepherding the human race and creation itself, which is entrusted to you. Be assured of our unwavering prayers, support, and communion as we together strive to be pilgrims of hope, building a world where love, justice, and compassion prevail.

With God’s manifold blessings,

Sr. Joan Marie Lopez,

Congregational Leader, Leadership Team,

and all Sisters and Partners-in-Mission

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