Circular 16/2025 - HABEMUS PAPAM

May 09, 2025

The Parish Priests, Priests in-charge, Assistant Parish Priests

Religious Men and Women

Diocese of Nashik

My dear collaborators,

HABEMUS PAPAM

I am writing these lines to inform you that the Universal Church has a Pope in the person of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A. (Order of St Augustine) who was until yesterday, Prefect, Dicastery for Bishops and Bishop Emeritus of Chiclayo. As soon as the white smoke emerged from the chimney, priests, religious men and women and the lay faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square to have the first glimpse of the newly elected Pope. The joy on the faces of all those who gathered in the Square was evident when the Holy Father came to the Balcony and spoke to the congregation in Latin and Spanish. He imparted his first blessing as Pope and those who had gathered were happy and joyful.

The newly elected Pope has taken the name POPE LEO XIV. Please take the name Pope Leo XIV in the Eucharistic Prayer following the consecration.

Needless to say, all of us are requested to pray for the newly elected Pope that the Risen Lord Jesus may continue to guide, guard and provide him with the graces required to govern the Church and make her more and more Christ-like. You are also requested to add an intention in the Prayer of the Faithful on Sunday, May 11, 2025 inviting the people to pray for Pope Leo XIV.

God bless you and with every good wish,

Yours in Christ,

✠ Barthol Barretto

Bishop, Diocese of Nashik