Statement of the Most Reverend Edward J. Burns, Bishop of Dallas, on the Illness of Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV

It is with deep concern and heartfelt affection that we receive the news of the illness of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. At this challenging moment in his life and ministry, I invite all the faithful of the Diocese of Dallas, and everyone of good will, to unite in prayer for our beloved Holy Father, asking Almighty God to grant him strength, healing, and comfort.

Our Holy Father is not alone as he faces the challenges of this illness. He is surrounded by the love, prayers, and spiritual closeness of the Universal Church.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says to Simon Peter: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). These words remind us of the sacred mission entrusted to Saint Peter and his successors. Pope Leo XIV is the 267th Successor of Saint Peter and serves as our universal Shepherd.

As the spiritual leader of approximately 1.4 billion Catholics throughout the world, the Holy Father carries an extraordinary responsibility. At every celebration of the Holy Eucharist at Mass throughout the universal Church, we pray for the Pope by name, expressing our communion with him and with the Church throughout the world. Now, in a particular way, those prayers take on an even deeper meaning as we ask the Lord to sustain him during this time of illness.

I ask the priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Dallas to keep Pope Leo XIV close to their hearts and in their daily prayers. May he know that the faithful of North Texas stand with him in faith, hope, and love.

In a special way, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church and through our intercessory prayers, may Almighty God bless and protect Pope Leo XIV.