Devout Filipino Catholics and church authorities express their thoughts on the selection of the newly appointed Pope.

Rewritten Article:

Citizens and Catholic leaders in the Philippines cheerily acknowledged the new pope, Pope Leo XIV, following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025 at the age of 88. Born as Cardinal Robert Prevost, a U.S.-Peruvian, this 69-year-old Augustinian from Chicago is the first supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church hailing from the USA.

The College of Cardinals elected this Chicago-born, third-world-savvy Pope Leo XIV on May 8. Cebu City Catholic priest Roy Cimagala, expressing optimism to Sunstar Philippines on May 9, anticipates the new pope to focus more on pastoral concerns with care for the teachings rather than foregoing the doctrine altogether.

When asked about the objectives the new pope should pursue for the Catholic Church in Asia, Cimagala suggested that Pope Leo XIV should prioritize enhancing the aid provided to those in need and promoting their involvement in the Church's activities. Monsignor Oscar Cadayona, vicar-general of the Diocese of Maasin, concurred, indicating that the new pope's focus on peace and social justice, a cause important to the Asian Church, is encouraged and highly appreciated.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated the new pope, expressing faith that Pope Leo XIV will lead the faithful with grace, wisdom, and compassion. In a statement, Marcos emphasized the Filipino people's prayers for the new pontiff's vigor and wellness in his role.

Jing Rey Henderson, head of the national Ecology Program for Caritas Philippines, greeted the election of Pope Leo XIV with enthusiasm. Acknowledging the intensifying climate crisis, Henderson urged Pope Leo XIV to translate his words into action by lobbying for decisive steps from the global Church, governments, and other sectors in response to the crisis. Henderson expressed hope that under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, the Church will stand steadfast beside communities grappling with ecological collapse.

Henderson believes Pope Leo XIV's moral courage and clear concern for the most vulnerable provide a ray of optimism in this critical time for humanity and the planet.

'Jubilant about the Filipinos'

Meanwhile, Reverend Father Jonas Mejares, the vice president for Augustinian Formation and mission at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo, expressed excitement about the election of Pope Leo XIV. Mejares recounted the new pope's warm words for the Filipinos, particularly in Cebu.

As Prior General of the Augustinian Order from 2001 to 2013, Father Prevost had visited Cebu numerous times. In 2004, he blessed the novitiate house of the Order of Saint Augustine-Province of Santo Niño de Cebu in Barangay Mohon. In 2010, Father Prevost also visited Cebu's Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, other Augustinian offices in the country, and led a Mass at the San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila. (Ronald Reyes/our website Philippines)

It's too early to determine the specific priorities for Asia, the poor, and social justice that Pope Leo XIV will pursue during his papacy. However, his background as a diplomat suggests an approach emphasizing diplomacy, inclusiveness, and collaboration. A probable focus could include interfaith dialogue, economic development targeting the marginalized, environmental stewardship, and Asian cultural sensitivity.

The Filipino citizens and Catholic leaders, including those from Cebu and Iloilo, are hopeful about the new pope, Pope Leo XIV, focusing on pastoral concerns, social justice, and enhancing aid for the needy within the Church and the Asian community.
On the occasion of Pope Leo XIV's election, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines expressed his faith in the new pope's leadership, encouraging him to lead the faithful with grace, wisdom, and compassion.
Jing Rey Henderson, the head of the national Ecology Program for Caritas Philippines, greeted the election of Pope Leo XIV and urged him to take decisive action on the climate crisis, lobbying for collaboration from the global Church, governments, and other sectors.
Monsignor Oscar Cadayona, the vicar-general of the Diocese of Maasin, appreciates the new pope's focus on peace and social justice, a cause important to the Asian Church.
Cebu City Catholic priest Roy Cimagala anticipates Pope Leo XIV to prioritize enhancing aid and promoting involvement of those in need in the Church's activities.
In light of the election, Reverend Father Jonas Mejares, the vice president for Augustinian Formation and mission at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo, expresses excitement about Pope Leo XIV, who has warm words for the Filipinos, particularly in Cebu.
The future priorities of Pope Leo XIV, such as diplomacy, inclusiveness, and collaboration, may include interfaith dialogue, economic development targeting the marginalized, environmental stewardship, and Asian cultural sensitivity, but it's still too early to determine with certainty.

Devout Filipino Catholics and church authorities express their thoughts on the selection of the newly appointed Pope.