Cubao churches to immediately include prayers for Pope Leo XIV in all masses

Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. has directed all parishes, religious communities, and parish pastoral councils that the new pope, Leo XIV, be included in the mass and in prayers of thanksgiving.

"With hearts full of joy and gratitude, we give thanks to God for the election of our new Holy Father in the person of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A, who will be called Pope Leo XIV as the Successor of Saint Peter and Vicar of Christ on earth," said Bishop Ayuban in a pastoral letter issued on Friday.

"As a liturgical guideline, starting today, his name will be mentioned in the Eucharistic Prayer. I request that we offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the Pope, which will be found at the Roman Missal (Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, I. for the Holy Church, 2. For the Pope) and in the Aklat ng Pagmimisa sa Roma (Mga Pagdiriwang ng Misa at Mga Panalangin para sa Iba’t ibang Pangangailangan, I. Para sa Banal na Simbahan, 2. Para sa Papa). The Readings of the day will be used," he added.

Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected the new Supreme Pontiff after cardinal electors cast their votes four times during conclave.

The 69-year-old Augustinian priest is the 267th pope, the first ever pontiff from the United States, and the second pope from the Americas after his immediate predecessor Pope Francis. He has chosen the name Leo XIV.

Prevost is the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo in Peru, where he worked as a missionary. Although born in Chicago, he also holds Peruvian citizenship.

The following prayer can also be used to express gratitude for the gift of a new Pope.

Lord Jesus Christ,

Good Shepherd and High Priest,

we praise you and off er you our sincere gratitude for calling Pope Leo XIV.

to serve as the shepherd of the universal church.

May he lead us as a loving shepherd who cares for his flock and seeks out the lost sheep.

May he be for us a gentle and listening father,

a faithful teacher and a steward of your sacred mysteries.

Grant him health, strength, and wisdom.

Strengthen the bonds of unity among us

so that we may serve you as one body.

Purify us and sustain us in charity

for your love for us never fails.

Grant that we may boldly answer your call to mission.

You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,

God, forever and ever. Amen.

"Truly, the Lord never abandons us. Let us pray that Pope Leo XIV may be a faithful guardian of the deposit of faith, a father to the poor, and a sign of hope for the world," the prelate added. — BAP, GMA Integrated News