“Saint Vincent Archabbey and Seminary offer congratulations and prayerful best wishes to Pope Leo XIV. He continues a long line of consecrated religious to serve as the Vicar of Christ,” said Archabbot Martin de Porres Bartel, O.S.B. “May God bless him with wisdom, strength and courage to shepherd our Church for many years.”

As the bells rang in Saint Peter’s Square and throughout Rome, the Saint Vincent Basilica bells echoed the good news. Noting that the new Pope is also from a religious order, Archabbot Martin said, “of course, we were hoping for a Benedictine, but an Augustinian will serve us well!”

Now known as Pope Leo XIV, the American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an Augustinian, appeared on the balcony shortly after his election on May 8 to greet the faithful and the world. His remarks drew upon the last public appearance of Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, which dealt with the topic of the many conflicts taking place throughout the world.

“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views other others,” Pope Francis said. “The light of Easter impels us to break down the barriers that create division and are fraught with grave political and economic consequences. It impels us to care for one another, to increase our mutual solidarity, and to work for the integral development of each human person.”

Pope Leo XIV, who has spent much of his career ministering in Peru, in his first Apostolic Urbi et Orbi blessing, said that “We have to seek together to be a missionary church. A church that builds bridges and dialogue.”

“God loves us,” he said. “God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail.”