Habemus Papam! Introducing Pope Leo XIV to Inferno Mission

The first American Pope! What a historical day! Let's be united in prayer for our new Papa!

5/8/2025 Deacon Grove Higgins (Inferno Deacon):

Brothers, peace be with you. Today, history was made. For the first time in over two thousand years, the Church has elected an American-born pope. His name is Pope Leo the Fourteenth, and he is a man of humility, deep pastoral wisdom, and global experience. 

Born Robert Francis Prevost, he served as a missionary in Peru, led the Augustinian order, and was one of the chief shepherds responsible for appointing bishops across the world. He’s not just an administrator, he appears to be a pastor at heart.

His name choice, Leo, echoes the courage of Leo the Great and the social clarity of Leo the Thirteenth. 

• Leo the Great defended the truth of Christ and the Church with strength and wisdom, even standing face to face with Attila the Hun. 

• Leo XIII wrote “Rerum Novarum,” which affirmed the Catholic philosophy of natural law, justice, charity, and the sanctity of private property, urging collaboration between classes and upholding the Church’s central role in resolving social ills. It brought clarity and conviction to the Church’s social teachings, championing the rights of workers and calling the faithful into moral action. In my estimation, by taking the name Leo, our new Pope signals his intent to lead with courage, clarity, and a heart for the people.
  

Men, we must rally now as sons of the Church. This moment is not about politics, it’s about prayer. The burden of Peter is immense. Our Holy Father will need strength, wisdom, and protection against the enemy who seeks to divide.

I know some of you may have questions or caution in your hearts. But let me remind you, the Pope is human, and it is in God’s permissive will that a Pope is chosen. Not always because he is the best man, but because God will use even flawed men to guide His Church. God’s allowance of certain things—even sinful things—that indirectly accomplish His will is often called God's permissive will. We have yet to see what kind of leader Leo XIV is.

Hebrews 13:17 calls us to “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.” So pray for the Pope and all our clergy! And we do that not blindly, but in the spirit of John 13:34-35: “Love one another as I have loved you... By this all men will know that you are my disciples.”

These are times (just like every age) when God calls saints to rise up. Saints who will help steer the Barque of Peter under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And men, that means us. Not in rebellion, but in holiness. Not in complaint, but in conviction and humility! Let us be the saints this time calls for.

If you are worried, remember the lesson of St. John of the Cross. St. John of the Cross demonstrated profound obedience, accepting hardship and injustice without resistance, trusting that God’s will was at work even through suffering. His obedience was rooted in love, humility, and a deep desire to conform entirely to God’s will. In the end, his profound humility caused a conversion of his superiors and not only changed the Carmelite order, but it also changed the Church for the better.

Let’s pray together for Pope Leo the Fourteenth, our shepherd.

Prayer for Pope Leo XIV

Heavenly Father, We lift up to you Pope Leo XIV,

who has been called to the Chair of Peter,

the wisdom of Leo XIII, and the humility of Christ himself.

Guard his heart, mind, and soul.

Surround him with holy advisors,

and make him a beacon of

unity and truth in our fractured world.

May the fire of the Holy Spirit ignite his leadership,

and may we, your sons, walk in fidelity, strength, and obedience,

to build the Kingdom of God under his direction.

Saint Peter, pray for him.

Saint Joseph, protect him.

Our Lady, guide him.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Men of Inferno—stay sharp. Stay faithful. Stand with our Pope. Because the gates of Hell shall not prevail. God bless you Men!