Habemus Papam! Pope Leo XIV
With profound joy and gratitude to God, the Dominican Friars of the Province of England join the universal Church in celebrating the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost OSA, as the 267th successor of Saint Peter.
Pope Leo XIV is the first pope to be chosen from the Order of St. Augustine. The Augustinian tradition resonates profoundly with our own Dominican heritage as both orders live under the Rule of St. Augustine. This shared spiritual foundation calls us to a life of communion, encouraging us to a communal search for Truth in charity, aspiring to be one in heart and mind.
We are also proud to note another connection between the Dominican tradition and our new Pope: Pope Leo studied canon law at the Dominican university in Rome, the Angelicum. The Angelicum also accredits the degrees of the brethren preparing for the priesthood at Blackfriars.
We pray for the Holy Father as he begins his Petrine ministry. May his pontificate be a beacon of unity, wisdom, and evangelical zeal for the Church and the world.
– Fr Nicholas Paul Crowe OP, Prior Provincial
Photographs from our brother Lawrence Lew OP
Fr Lawrence was present in Rome during the conclave for a meeting of the Dominican curia, and sent us these photographs from St Peter’s Square. In one photograph, our brother Timothy Radcliffe OP can be spotted among the cardinals – the only one wearing a white habit!
Sr Julie
Nick thank you for sharing these precious moments……… to think we have connections!
Our love and prayers travel to Rome and beyond.
Julie
Dr Duncan MacLaren
I thought the Province was England, Wales and Scotland now. Time for a bit of deep synodal listening to the Celtic peripheries!
Richard Brown
The Province is formally called ‘The Province of England’ and includes mainland Britain and parts of the Caribbean currently. It stems from the original English province that went into exile in the C16th then later returned to mainland Britain. Scotland was never revived as a separate Province following its dissolution so is currently served by the English province. Wales has never existed as a separate province as it has always been under the English crown since the arrival of the Dominicans in 1221. So the naming is not perfect, but it bears the marks of our history!
leo gooch
Cardinal Timothy was conspicuous in pole position in the procession entering the Sistine Chapel.