Message on the Preparation for the Election of the Roman Pontiff
5 May 2025
His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo
Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto

To the faithful of the archdiocese of Toronto:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

May Jesus and Mary be in your souls.

As you know, I am currently in Rome, having been summoned for the immense responsibility of electing a new Pope. You may easily understand, this is quite the onerous task. For us Catholics, the Petrine office, the person and ministry of the Holy Father, is central to our life of faith. The Roman Pontiff is indeed the successor to the Apostle of Christ, St. Peter.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church in #881 teaches: "The Lord made Simon alone, whom he named Peter, the 'rock' of his Church. He gave him the keys of his Church and instituted him shepherd of the whole flock. The office of binding and loosing which was given to Peter was also assigned to the college of apostles united to its head. This pastoral office of Peter and the other apostles belongs to the Church's very foundation and is continued by the bishops under the primacy of the Pope."

As the Cardinals gather and discuss various qualities to be found in the new universal Shepherd as well as the challenges we face in the Church and in the wider society to bring Christ's saving Gospel to all persons, I think of you all in Toronto and the practice and living out of the faith throughout our faith communities and parishes. Though it is quite the busy time here, listening and questioning, reflecting and sharing - the singular most important thing we do is pray. Only openness and availability to the Holy Spirit and to his gifts will allow for the papal election to be pleasing to the Lord. The unity of the Body of Christ is paramount as is the urgent need for evangelization and witnessing. The mission of the Pope, also referred to as the "Servant of the Servants of God", is to preserve the integrity of the apostolic faith, transmit the deposit of faith with fidelity, to teach, shepherd, guide, govern and lead Christ's flock and to be a unifying force gathering God's children together in the spiritual family we call Holy Mother Church.

Furthermore, in #882-883 of the Catechism we read: “The Pope, Bishop of Rome and Peter's successor, is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful. For the Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ, and as pastor of the entire Church has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered. The college or body of bishops has no authority unless united with the Roman Pontiff, Peter's successor, as its head. As such, this college has supreme and full authority over the universal Church; but this power cannot be exercised without the agreement of the Roman Pontiff."

Dear faithful of the archdiocese, I would like you all to please join me in praying intently and wholeheartedly that the Cardinals be given wisdom and discernment from on High; that the Spirit of the Risen Christ descend with power and abundance upon the Cardinals united in Sistine Chapel and that the one chosen in the forthcoming conclave to be the next Successor of the Prince of the Apostles may be worthy and holy, humble and courageous, learned and wise.

Together let us please pray each day at least 3 Hail Mary's and the Memorare for this specific intention.

In this month dedicated most especially to Mother Mary, who as Mother of the Church is our spiritual mother in the faith, that is, in the order of grace, may her intercession be sought daily, her name be praised by all of the faithful and the purity of her faith be embodied by all those who bear the blessed name of Christian.

Please pray for me too and for my ministry both in Toronto and now specifically as a Cardinal elector in the Eternal city.

Yours Sincerely in Jesus with Mary,

Frank Cardinal Leo
Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto

His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo pictured in Rome outside of St. Peter’s Basilica, May 5, 2025.