Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Agenzia Fides) - The Chinese bishops congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his election. As reported by the Chinese state news agency "Xin Hua" (New China), the Patriotic Association of the Chinese Catholic Church "Yi Hui Yi Tuan," and the Chinese Bishops' Conference, the congratulatory message to the new Pope is dated today, Friday, May 9, 2025.
This morning, Chinese bishops and priests pronounced the Pope's name during Mass and prayed for him as usual during the Eucharistic liturgy.
The Chinese press and social media, both Catholic and non-Catholic, followed the Conclave and the period leading up to it step by step, reporting extensively and publishing accounts of the death of their beloved Pope Francis and his funeral, right up to the first black smoke. The white smoke arrived when it was already night in China, but despite the late hour, Chinese Catholics and the people waited in front of their computers, tablets, and smartphones for the announcement and the first words of the new Pope.
Awaiting the "Habemus Papam", a Chinese bishop told Fides: "I am happy because soon I will be able to pronounce the Pope's name at morning Mass and pray for the new Pontiff."
When the name was announced, an article by Father Paul Han (https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/KAO2BN-FsKZAxllRTPNUmA), published on WeChat on May 6, immediately circulated on the Chinese internet. In this article, the priest not only predicted the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, but also the possible choice of the name "Leo XIV", with a detailed biography.
Following the announcement of the new Pope's election, congratulations and prayers of thanks poured in, both online and during the first morning Masses of Chinese Catholics, who prayed "for a world and Church blessed by God through the pastoral ministry of Pope Prevost."
The choice of the name "Leo" was also highly appreciated by Chinese Catholics. It is a name that encompasses history, but at the same time also looks to the present and the future.
His pastoral ministry will not only be a leadership role, but also a testimony of faith, love, and truth. The name represents continuity with his predecessors: in the midst of the storm, he wants to be the one who stands firm on the boat of Saint Peter, not only preserving the faith, but also leading us to hope! (N.Z.) (Agenzia Fides, 9/5/2025)
