Lord God, we offer our joyful prayers in thanksgiving for our Holy Father Francis, Vicar of Christ and servant of the servants of God.
In Pope Francis we recognize the successor to Peter, the touchstone for the mission of the church. We pray that your Holy Spirit will strengthen him to be a messenger of love, peace and unity.
We give thanks for the many gifts of the new shepherd of our church. May he please you in his holiness and guide his flock with love and watchful care, especially for the sick, the poor and the vulnerable. We greet him joyfully and pledge our love and support for him.
With him, we accept the invitation to spread the good news of the Gospel in word and action. We offer our prayer through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Copyright © 2013 by the Catholic Health Association of the United States
For reprint permission, contact Betty Crosby or call (314) 253-3477.