The Chilean Episcopal Conference welcomes with profound gratitude to the Lord and great joy the election of the new Successor of Peter, the Holy Father Leo XIV, elected at the conclave held in Vatican City.
United with the universal Church, we give thanks to God for the gift of his ministry as Bishop of Rome, Pastor of the Church, a sign of communion and ecclesial unity. With faith and hope, we welcome his opening words and his willingness to serve the People of God in challenging times.
We invite the Catholic communities on pilgrimage in Chile to pray for the new Pope, that the Holy Spirit may sustain him with his gifts, and that, like Peter, he may strengthen his brothers and sisters in the faith, guiding the Church's ship with humility, wisdom, and courage.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, accompany and protect you in your apostolic mission.
The Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Chile