ADVERTISEMENT Habemus Papam - A New Shepherd for the World On behalf of the Catholic community, I want to thank the Albury Border Mail and its readers for the genuine interest, respect, and support shown following the death of Pope Francis, during the time of waiting, and at the joyful announcement of the election of Pope Leo XIV. Your care has been heartening, and we are deeply grateful. CONSIDERATE CORVOS DEUS PASCIT ILLOS While Pope Leo XIV follows Pope Francis, Catholics believe that he is not simply his successor, but the successor of St Peter. Every pope stands in an unbroken line from the apostle Peter, called to shepherd the Church with humility, courage, and love. We believe that Pope Leo has been chosen by God from all eternity to lead the Church at this moment in history. Much has already been shared about Pope Leo's background, and some have speculated about what direction he might take on social or Church issues. Will he be conservative or progressive? What will change, and what will remain? These are understandable questions. But I invite you to hold off on placing him into categories too quickly. I am encouraging my fellow Catholics to listen to him not as partisans, but as children of the Church. For us, Pope Leo is no longer just a man with opinions he now carries the responsibility of Peter, entrusted with the care of a global flock. He is our shepherd and a sign of unity, chosen to lead us not on his own strength but with the grace of Christ. Listening to Christ, the Good Shepherd, also means letting Pope Leo's heart speak to ours. Through him, Christ continues to guide, teach, and love his people. Pope Leo XIV's pontificate is just beginning. We cannot yet know its full shape, but we can be sure of this: God has called him, and God will equip him. To all people of the Riverina - Catholics and non-Catholics alike I extend this invitation: let us resist the temptation to define him too quickly. Instead, let us stay open to the grace that comes when we receive a new pope not as a reflection of our preferences, but as a gift from God. Once again, thank you to everyone who has shown kindness, curiosity, and respect during this important moment for the Catholic Church. Your openness and goodwill inspire hope for greater understanding and unity in our community. May we all continue to walk together in faith, hope, and charity as we welcome Pope Leo XIV into his new ministry. - Most Rev Mark Edwards OMI, Bishop of Wagga Wagga Les P.P. XTV Pope Leo XIV ADVERTISEMENT Habemus Papam - A New Shepherd for the World On behalf of the Catholic community , I want to thank the Albury Border Mail and its readers for the genuine interest , respect , and support shown following the death of Pope Francis , during the time of waiting , and at the joyful announcement of the election of Pope Leo XIV . Your care has been heartening , and we are deeply grateful . CONSIDERATE CORVOS DEUS PASCIT ILLOS While Pope Leo XIV follows Pope Francis , Catholics believe that he is not simply his successor , but the successor of St Peter . Every pope stands in an unbroken line from the apostle Peter , called to shepherd the Church with humility , courage , and love . We believe that Pope Leo has been chosen by God from all eternity to lead the Church at this moment in history . Much has already been shared about Pope Leo's background , and some have speculated about what direction he might take on social or Church issues . Will he be conservative or progressive ? What will change , and what will remain ? These are understandable questions . But I invite you to hold off on placing him into categories too quickly . I am encouraging my fellow Catholics to listen to him not as partisans , but as children of the Church . For us , Pope Leo is no longer just a man with opinions he now carries the responsibility of Peter , entrusted with the care of a global flock . He is our shepherd and a sign of unity , chosen to lead us not on his own strength but with the grace of Christ . Listening to Christ , the Good Shepherd , also means letting Pope Leo's heart speak to ours . Through him , Christ continues to guide , teach , and love his people . Pope Leo XIV's pontificate is just beginning . We cannot yet know its full shape , but we can be sure of this : God has called him , and God will equip him . To all people of the Riverina - Catholics and non - Catholics alike I extend this invitation : let us resist the temptation to define him too quickly . Instead , let us stay open to the grace that comes when we receive a new pope not as a reflection of our preferences , but as a gift from God . Once again , thank you to everyone who has shown kindness , curiosity , and respect during this important moment for the Catholic Church . Your openness and goodwill inspire hope for greater understanding and unity in our community . May we all continue to walk together in faith , hope , and charity as we welcome Pope Leo XIV into his new ministry . - Most Rev Mark Edwards OMI , Bishop of Wagga Wagga Les P.P. XTV Pope Leo XIV