Election of Pope Leo XIV: Statement from SVdP USA National President John Berry

Election of Pope Leo XIV: Statement from SVdP USA National President John Berry

Election of Pope Leo XIV: Statement from SVdP USA National President John Berry 1920 1080 SVDP USA

Election of Pope Leo XIV: Statement from SVdP USA National President John Berry

The moment a new Pope steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time is always a powerful reminder that the Catholic Church endures and that the Holy Spirit is not finished with us yet. On behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA, I offer heartfelt congratulations to the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. We assure him of our prayers, our support, and our continued service to those in need as we are called to do by the Gospel.

Pope Leo XIV’s election is a moment of profound hope for the Church and the world, as he is entrusted with leading the faithful into a new era of grace, mercy, and renewal. As with Pope Francis, the papacy of Pope Leo XIV offers us an opportunity to further unity, deepen compassion, and strengthen our shared call to serve our neighbors—values that lie at the heart of the Vincentian mission.

The Society has always followed the Gospel path of encounter — walking with the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten. As the largest lay Catholic organization in the world, we are the hands and feet of Christ in our communities — in the homes we visit, in the meals we serve, and in the listening ear we offer. Pope Leo XIV’s witness to humility, simplicity, and care for the poor resonates deeply with our Vincentian spirit. We see in this new papacy an invitation to continue to grow and deepen our commitment to works of mercy, solidarity with the vulnerable, and the living out of Catholic social teaching — not only in words, but in deeds.

In the coming days and years, we are eager to listen, to learn, and to labor for the Kingdom of God — side by side with Pope Leo XIV, the clergy, religious, and laypeople across the globe.

May God bless our new Holy Father; may his papacy bring light to a searching world; and may we all be renewed in faith, in mission, and in love.


Declaración de John Berry sobre la elección del Papa León XIV

En el momento en que un nuevo Papa pisa el balcón de la Basílica de San Pedro por primera vez, siempre es un poderoso recordatorio de que la Iglesia Católica perdura y que el Espíritu Santo aún no ha terminado con nosotros. En nombre de la Sociedad de San Vicente de Paúl de los Estados Unidos, felicito de corazón al Santo Padre, al Papa León XIV. Le aseguramos nuestras oraciones, nuestro apoyo y nuestro servicio continuo a las personas en necesidad, así como estamos llamados a hacerlo por el Evangelio.

La elección del Papa León XIV es un momento de profunda esperanza para la Iglesia y el mundo, ya que se le ha confiado la tarea de guiar a los fieles hacia una nueva era de gracia, misericordia y renovación. Al igual que con el Papa Francisco, el papado del Papa León XIV nos ofrece una oportunidad para promover la unidad, profundizar la compasión y fortalecer nuestro llamado compartido para servir a nuestro prójimo, valores que se encuentran en el corazón de la Misión Vicentina.

La Sociedad siempre ha seguido el camino evangélico del encuentro: caminar con las personas que viven en la pobreza, los que sufren y los olvidados. Como la organización católica laica más grande, somos las manos y los pies de Cristo en nuestras comunidades: en los hogares que visitamos, en las comidas que servimos y en el oído atento que ofrecemos. El testimonio del Papa León XIV sobre la humildad, la sencillez y el cuidado de las personas que viven en la pobreza resuena profundamente en nuestro espíritu Vicentino.

Vemos en este nuevo papado, una invitación a seguir creciendo y profundizando nuestro compromiso con las obras de misericordia, la solidaridad con los vulnerables y la vivencia de la doctrina Social Católica, no solo en palabras, sino con hechos.

En los próximos días y años, estaremos ansiosos por escuchar, aprender y trabajar por el Reino de Dios, codo a codo con el Papa León XIV, el clero, los religiosos y los laicos de todo el mundo.

Que Dios bendiga a nuestro nuevo Santo Padre; Que su papado lleve la luz a un mundo que la busca; Que todos seamos renovados en la Fe, en la Misión y en el Amor.

 John Berry, Presidente Nacional

9 Comments
  • AMEN!!!
    And from America: That is a BIG sign from God. What a joyful blessing!

    • Christine Kondrat May 8, 2025 at 1:49 pm

      Yes!
      Hopefully it will help us get this administration under control with more admonishments!

    • Jerrene Schlosser May 8, 2025 at 2:17 pm

      so very true Aldo

    • Jerrene Schlosser May 8, 2025 at 3:24 pm

      So very true, thank you Aldo. Reading about Pope Leo, he seems like a very good candidate to represent the Catholic Faith and we wish him much success in this journey.

  • Thank you, President John, for saying so well what all of us have in our hearts.

  • Amén 🙏

  • Mary Ann Robbe May 8, 2025 at 2:54 pm

    Can we please celebrate the new Pope and appreciate his being American, without unnecessary political comments? Thank you, please.

  • Bridget Alexander May 9, 2025 at 11:57 am

    In times of uncertainty, when the waters of life grow troubled and the path ahead seems unclear, we seek hope — we seek direction. And today, we are reminded that even in the darkest of hours, light finds a way.
    Like a bridge over troubled water, we’ve got a new Pope — a golden key to open the way forward.
    This new chapter is not just about leadership; it’s about renewal. A golden key symbolizes not only authority but the unlocking of hearts, of minds, of unity. Our new Pope offers us the chance to cross the divides that separate us — to move forward with compassion, strength, and faith.
    Let us walk together across that bridge. Let us open doors once closed and build a future rooted in peace, love, and shared purpose.

  • Beautiful prayer. SVdP is the “Church in action.” So grateful that we continue to bring Christ’s loving presence, dignity, assistance, and hope to families in need.