POOR HANDMAIDS OF JESUS CHRIST
Statement on the Election of Pope Leo XIV

With hearts full of prayer and hope, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ rejoice in the election of
His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV. We extend our deep gratitude to the Holy Spirit for guiding the
discernment of the College of Cardinals and offer our unwavering prayers for Pope Leo XIV as he
begins his apostolic service to the People of God.

We recognize in Pope Leo XIV a shepherd deeply formed by his life among the people—born of the
Americas and having served shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters across its
communities. His life of ministry embodies the Gospel values we hold dear: humility, courage, and a
preferential option for the poor.

Rooted in the charism of our foundress, Saint Katharina Kasper, we are reminded of her humble yet
courageous spirit. She often said, “Whatever God wants, will be done,” expressing a deep trust in
the will of God.

In this moment of transition and renewal for the universal Church, we echo her faith-filled
surrender and commit ourselves anew to serve the poor, the sick, and the marginalized—those Christ
himself loved so dearly.

The Gospel of Matthew reminds us: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant”
(Matthew 20:26). We believe Pope Leo XIV has been called to this servant leadership, to shepherd
the Church with compassion, justice, and a heart attuned to the needs of all, especially those on
the peripheries. We pray that his witness may call forth a deeper dialogue across differences, the
dismantling of systems of oppression, and the restoration of dignity for all—especially the poor,
the migrant, the excluded, and the wounded.

As Poor Handmaids, we stand ready to journey alongside our Holy Father in advancing the Gospel
message of love, mercy, and inclusion. May Pope Leo XIV lead with the wisdom of the Spirit, the
courage of the saints, and the humility of Christ.

In faith and service,
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ