Yesterday the Church, and indeed the whole world, fixed its eyes on the Loggia of Benedictions overlooking St Peter’s Square as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and we waited for the Cardinal Protodeacon to proclaim, Habemus Papam!

This morning, the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass with the College of Cardinals in the very place where, just a few hours earlier, he was chosen by them to be the 267th Bishop of Rome. In the coming days we will see the inauguration of his Petrine Ministry, and his taking possession of the papal basilicas of San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Paolo Fuori le Mura.

Each of these occasions is marked by a solemn celebration of the Sacred Liturgy that is at once both familiar and exceptional. The particular ministry of the Roman Pontiff means these events are similar to what takes place in every diocese, and also distinctive in recognizing the special role the Petrine office has in and for the Universal Church.

It is fitting, then, that our own gratitude to God for the election of Pope Leo XIV is also given liturgical expression: in the Mass for the Universal Church, in the Mass for the Roman Pontiff, in the singing of a solemnTe Deum, and in the chanting of the Orate Pro Pontifice Nostro.

The Officers and Board of Directors of the Society for Catholic Liturgy assures Pope Leo XIV of our fidelity and prayers. In particular, with the majority of our members based in the United States, we rejoice in the election of the first Successor of St Peter from this nation, still young in the faith but already blessed by many saints, nurtured under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception. Ad multos annos!

Yours faithfully in Christ,

Rev. James Bradley, J.C.D.
President