Amid the many celebrations last week for the Class of 2025, the College of Cardinals elected a new pope, the first American-born pope.

As we welcome Pope Leo XIV, we are reminded of the transformative power of faith and leadership grounded in humility and love. For 12 years, the late Pope Francis went into the peripheries to care for the Dear Neighbor. Those Dear Neighbors were among the greatest in need, often forgotten by society. We hope and pray that Pope Leo continues the work and focus of Pope Francis. May he lead in a way similar to the Sisters of St. Joseph who work tirelessly to build communities with foundations in social justice and inclusivity.

Let us come together in prayer and unity, embracing this new chapter in our Church's history with hope and renewed commitment to our shared values.