CMA Welcomes and Prays for New Pope

The Catholic Medical Association joins the world in welcoming and praying for the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States and a priest of the Augustinian order.

“With hearts full of gratitude and joy, we celebrate the momentous news from the Vatican: the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the 267th Pope,” said CMA President Michelle Stanford, M.D. “We join the faithful around the globe in giving thanks for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in this sacred process. The conclave reflects the universal nature of our Church, a reality that resonates deeply with our commitment to serve patients of all backgrounds with compassion and integrity. We look forward to Pope Leo XIV’s guidance as we navigate the complexities of modern medicine while remaining steadfast in our Catholic faith.”

Pope Leo XIV was a surprise selection by the 133 cardinals representing 71 countries –– a decision made on the second day of the conclave in Rome. The new pope, who is 69 and originally from Chicago, has spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru and has dual Peruvian nationality. He was only just named a cardinal two years ago by Pope Francis.

Dr. Craig Treptow, CMA past president and current North America Federation president of FIAMC (the international federation of Catholic medical associations), expressed his gratitude for the quick election of the new pope.

“Pope Leo XIV will bring a unique perspective to the papacy as the first pope of North America,” he said. “He will certainly face challenges in our modern era, and we, as members of FIAMC and trusting in God, look forward to his leadership as Vicar of Christ.”

Echoing that sentiment, Dr. Stanford called for all members of the Catholic Medical Association and those from around the world to “join us in prayer for our new Holy Father as he assumes this profound responsibility. May he be strengthened by God’s grace to lead with wisdom, humility, and courage.”