Archbishop Cardone welcomes the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV

The Catholic Archdiocese of Honiara joins the Universal Church in joyful celebration following the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, as the 267th Successor of Saint Peter and Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. 

Pope Leo XIV was elected on Thursday, 8 May 2025, in Rome, when white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel—signaling to the world that a new Pope had been chosen. Moments later, the joyful announcement, “Habemus Papam”, “We have a Pope!” rang out from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. 

Archbishop Christopher Cardone, OP, currently in Madang, Papua New Guinea, attending the Catholic Bishops Conference Annual General Meeting, has extended his heartfelt congratulations and prayers to the new Holy Father. 

“It is great news to have an American Pope! The Catholic Church and all people of goodwill rejoice as we welcome our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. He is a wantok from Chicago, USA, and a professed member of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA). 

The Augustinians, Dominicans, and Franciscans, each founded over 800 years ago, remain pillars of faith and mission in the Church. It is inspiring to see this religious tradition represented at the highest level. 

His Holiness studied at the esteemed Villanova University, an Augustinian institution, and later completed his Doctorate in Canon Law at the Angelicum in Rome, the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, administered by the Dominican Order. 

“We are proud that two of our own priests from the Solomon Islands, Fr. Manscent Kava and Fr. Peter Chele also studied at the Angelicum.”

“Additionally, Pope Leo XIV previously served as a missionary in Peru, where our own Sr. Mary Felesi, a Marist Sister from the Solomon Islands, now ministers. She is the sister of Fr. Jacob Aba, SM, Parish Priest of St. Mary Tanagai Catholic Parish.”

“The Catholic community of the Solomon Islands unites in prayer for our new Holy Father. May the Holy Spirit guide him as he begins his Petrine ministry.” 

“Like his beloved predecessor, Pope Francis, may he lead the Church with humility, courage, and joy. We also pray that, God willing, we may one day welcome Pope Leo XIV to our islands.” 

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV became the first American ever elected to the Chair of Saint Peter. 

At 69 years of age, he brings decades of experience in pastoral leadership, missionary service, and theological formation to his role as Vicar of Christ and visible head of the Universal Church. 

The Archdiocese of Honiara offers its heartfelt congratulations and prayers for Pope Leo XIV as he embarks on his mission of shepherding the People of God in unity, faith, and hope. 

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Catholic Communication Solomon