Kandhamal Rejoices Over Election of New Pope Leo XIV

Raikia, Odisha, 9 May, 2025 – Jubilant celebrations swept through Kandhamal as the faithful, clergy, and religious communities welcomed the election of Pope Leo XIV. The announcement came on the feast day of St. Louise de Marillac, co-founder of the Daughters of Charity, coinciding with a special Mass at Our Lady of Charity Parish in Raikia.

“This is a double joy for us,” said Pradosh Chandra Nayak, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, during the thanksgiving Mass. “We celebrate the feast of St. Louise de Marillac and the election of Pope Leo XIV.”

St. Louise, known for her work among the poor and marginalised, mirrors the spirit of the newly elected Pope. “Our new Holy Father, like St. Louise, is a friend to the poor, the needy, and the downtrodden,” Fr. Nayak added in his homily.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope on 8 May following the passing of Pope Francis on 21 April. Now Pope Leo XIV, he is the first American pontiff and the 267th successor to St. Peter. A member of the Augustinian Order, the Pope is recognised for his philosophical outlook and missionary zeal.

“He is a thinker with a heart for the suffering,” noted Pradeep Kumar Nayak, a retired principal. “He brings hope to Christians facing persecution and a message of love for humanity.”

Basanti Montri, a senior nun from St. Catherine’s House, expressed joy at the symbolic timing: “It feels like a divine sign.”

The thanksgiving Mass concluded with the sharing of sweets among children, youth, clergy, and religious, marking a day of spiritual joy and historic significance for Kandhamal.

By Purushottam Nayak