The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle joins the global Catholic community in welcoming Pope Leo XIV.

Bishop Michael Kennedy said the election of a new Pope is always a moment of great significance and hope for Catholics and people of good will around the world.

“We give thanks to God for guiding the Church through this time of transition, and we place our trust in the Holy Spirit and the conclave’s decision,” Bishop Kennedy said.

“We look forward with confidence to his leadership and the ways in which he will be witness to the Gospel in today’s world. Leading the universal Church is an immense responsibility and as a Diocese, we pray he is given wisdom, courage and grace as he navigates the path ahead.”