The Holy Cross Mission Center joins with the universal Church in joyfully celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV!

In his first public remarks as pope, His Holiness Leo XIV offered one piece of his vision for the Church: “We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges (and) dialogue, always open to receive (people), like this square, with open arms – everyone, all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.”

So, as one way of further exploring the new Holy Father’s sense of the Church’s mission, we present to you some of his quotes on “mission” from his time as Archbishop and Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. Enjoy!

___________________________________________________________________

In a 2023 interview, then-Archbishop Prevost reflected on his transition from missionary bishop in Peru to prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops:

“I still consider myself a missionary. My vocation, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is.”

In an interview with the Augustinian Order, the future Pope Leo XIV emphasized the enduring nature of the Church’s mission:

“The mission of the Church has been the same for 2000 years, when Jesus Christ said: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…’ We have to announce the good news of the Kingdom of God at the same time that we understand what the Church is in its universal reality.”

The former Cardinal Prevost frequently referenced the three pillars of the Synod on Synodality:

“The three words we are using in the work of the Synod—participation, communion, and mission—provide the answer.”

Upon being named a cardinal, Prevost reflected on the sacrificial nature of ecclesial mission:

“Being a cardinal is a mission of love with Christ, our Savior… a cardinal is called to give his whole life in service to the Church.”

In discussing the role of bishops, Cardinal Prevost emphasized the centrality of personal witness in mission:

“Above all, a bishop must proclaim Jesus Christ and live the faith so that the faithful see in his witness an incentive to them to want to be an ever more active part of the Church.”

___________________________________________________________________

Join us at the Holy Cross Mission Center in prayer for Pope Leo XIV, that the Holy Spirit might grant him wisdom, hope, and zeal throughout his papacy!

Published May 2025