The Salvation Army’s international leader General Lyndon Buckingham has welcomed Pope Leo XIV as the new leader of the global Roman Catholic Church.
On May 8, Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American-born priest from Chicago, was elected to the Papacy, choosing to be known by the papal name Leo XIV. General Buckingham recognized his election in a letter to the Vatican, written on behalf of members and employees of The Salvation Army throughout the world.
“I write today with my personal recognition, and that of The Salvation Army worldwide,” he said, “of the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to the Papacy and, therefore, to the global leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.
“As a people dedicated to following Jesus ourselves, Salvationists welcome Pope Leo as the Bishop of Rome and offer our prayers for his ministry, noting his call to peace and bridge-building in a divided world.”
The General recognized the longevity of the new Pope’s pastoral ministry and his strong commitment to social justice. He also called out Pope Leo’s heart for those living in poverty and who suffer amid the current global instability and uncertainty about the future.
“This resonates strongly with the heart of The Salvation Army,” General Buckingham affirmed, “and I have no doubt we will continue to work in partnership with Catholics worldwide to bring faith, hope and the love of God in Christ to communities near and far on every continent.”
General Buckingham then turned to conversations on Christian unity between The Salvation Army and the Catholic Church that had resulted in the 2014 book Conversations with the Catholic Church: A Record of the Papers Presented and Recommendations Made During the Informal Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and The Salvation Army.
“I am equally as sure,” he said, “that the ongoing dialogue on Christian unity between the Roman Catholic Church and The Salvation Army will continue to grow both in its scope and in the richness of fellowship we experience.”
General Buckingham concluded his letter by writing: “We acknowledge the expressed joy of Catholics across the world upon the announcement of Pope Leo’s election and join with you all in this time of celebration and hope for the world.’”
