Statement from the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board on the Election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV
Habemus papum – we have a Pope! The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) in union with Catholics around the globe celebrates the election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.
The new Holy Father became the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and the successor of Peter upon the conclusion of the papal conclave in Vatican City on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The moment was marked by the traditional rising of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, followed by Pope Leo XIV’s first appearance and blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. His message to the world emphasized charity, kindness and inclusivity. Pope Leo XIV called us all to be Pilgrims of Hope and “disciples of Christ.”
“The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board is committed to faith-based education and is deeply inspired by the leadership of our new Holy Father,” said Director of Education Mike McDonald.
Pope Leo XIV was elected Supreme Pontiff by the College of Cardinals succeeding Pope Francis who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. As a sign of mourning for the late Holy Father, all flags at BHNCDSB schools and buildings were flown at half-mast. In addition, the BHNCDSB eagerly anticipates the opening of its newest school, Pope Francis Catholic Elementary in Caledonia (September 2025), commemorating the legacy left by the former Holy Father.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, brings a wealth of pastoral and administrative experience to the papacy as a member of the Augustinian order, previous Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and head of the Holy See’s Dicastery of Bishops. Pope Leo has a deep commitment to youth, inclusivity and social justice, which will resonate with our school communities and future generations of Catholic faithful.
“We look forward to teaching our students about Pope Leo XIV’s message and continuing to foster a learning environment that features excellence in learning while living in Christ,” shared Chair of the Board, Carol Luciani.
The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board invites all students, staff, and families to join in prayer for Pope Leo XIV as he begins his sacred ministry:
God, eternal shepherd,
who governs your flock with unfailing care,
grant in your boundless fatherly love
a pastor for your Church
who will please you by his holiness
and show us watchful care.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
May our new Holy Father shepherd us, his flock, with the grace of God the Father and the counsel of the Holy Spirit.
In partnership and hope,
Carol Luciani – Chair of the Board and Mike McDonald – Director of Education
