The Conference of French Bishops gives thanks for the election of Pope Leon XIV. As prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops for two years, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost had regularly received the Presidency of the Conference and several bishops of France. He had also accompanied Pope Francis to Marseille and Ajaccio. His first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, his first words, his first blessing were felt around the world, his emotion, his profound joy, and his humble resolution to serve all of humanity. His wish for peace, that of the Risen Christ, echoed the "Do not be afraid!" of Saint John Paul II, as his call to build bridges between human beings echoed that of Pope Francis to build bridges, rather than walls. A foretaste was given of the connection he will forge with Catholic faithful and with humanity as a whole. Along with Catholics worldwide, the Catholics of France receive Leon XIV with gratitude. He is now the shepherd God gives to His Church. They thank him for accepting the choice made by his brothers of the college of cardinals. He now bears the demanding responsibility of the Bishop of Rome, successor of the apostle Saint Peter. Everyone assesses the part of renunciation that such a mission requires; he has been prepared by the various human and pastoral experiences that have marked his life both as a religious and Congregation superior, and as a missionary and diocesan bishop. His faith will now be the rock on which the faithful of Christ can support their own; his word will strengthen bishops and faithful Catholics in their mission in the world as it is. The Catholics of France are invited to pray for him, especially in the days leading up to the inauguration Mass of his pontificate. May the Holy Spirit be given to him abundantly so that he serves the unity of the Church of Christ, beyond the diversity of confessions, so that he finds words that awaken the conscience of humanity and peoples, so that his gestures and example renew the joy of following Christ in His love for all humans. Download PDF Messages from French bishops for the election of Pope Leon XIV "We will learn to know him and love him. His charge is immense, the challenges before him and our Church are crucial, let us remain in unity and fervor." – Message from Bishop Jacques Habert, Bishop of Bayeux-Lisieux. "Hope for the poorest: by taking the name of Leo 14, following in the footsteps of Pope Leo 13, the first pope to write a social encyclical Rerum Novarum" – Message from Bishop Xavier Malle, Bishop of Gap. "His first words are an invitation to welcome the peace that comes from the Risen Christ. These are words of hope amid the international tensions we know." – Message from Bishop Nicolas Brouwet, Bishop of Nîmes. Tonight, our first movement is to turn, hearts full of gratitude, to the Lord who is always present, living, acting in our Church and in our world." – Message from Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, Archbishop of Paris. "Leon XIV becomes a link of communion between 1.4 billion Catholic faithful, from East and West. May the Holy Spirit assist him and help us to be a sign of unity for all humanity in disunity." – Message from Archbishop Dominique Lebrun, Archbishop of Rouen.