And just like that…

…millions of people around the world celebrated as the first American Cardinal ascended to the papacy.

As a Catholic, I pray the new Holy Father will follow the path laid by Pope Francis – love, inclusion, and a broadening of the Church to be more accepting.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I pray the new Holy Father will also follow Pope Francis’ teachings.

And as a human being, I hope millions of people around the world will remember how easily they accepted Cardinal Robert Prevost’s…chosen name.

Deus benedicat Papam Leonem XIV (God bless Pope Leo XIV).