A wave of joy and gratitude swept across the Kandhamal district of the eastern Indian state of Odisha as the faithful, youth, priests, and nuns celebrated the election of the new Pope Leo XIV on May 9.
The announcement coincided with the feast of St. Louise de Marillac, co-founder of the Daughters of Charity, making it a moment of double celebration at Our Lady of Charity Parish in Raikia.
“It is a double joy for us—celebrating the feast of St. Louise de Marillac and the announcement of our new Pope Leo XIV,” said Father Pradosh Chandra Nayak, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, during the thanksgiving Mass on May 9.
Highlighting the saint’s legacy, Nayak said, “St. Louise was a patron of Christian social workers and charitable societies. She served the poorest of the poor with humility, simplicity, and love. Our new Pope shares that same compassion for the poor, needy, and marginalized.”
Basanti Montri, a senior nun of the Daughters of Charity at St. Catherine’s House, echoed this sentiment: “The coincidence of the saint’s feast day and the election of a pope who has a heart for the poor is a sign of hope and encouragement for us.”
Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, the world awaited his successor. On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected by the conclave and chose the name Leo XIV, becoming the 267th successor of St. Peter and the first American Pope.
“As a member of the Augustinian order, Leo XIV brings a philosophical and missionary spirit to his leadership,” said Pradeep Kumar Nayak, a retired principal from Kandhamal. “He is deeply concerned about the suffering of people in war-torn regions, the rise of atheism, and the persecution of Christians. I see in him a friend, philosopher, and guide.”
The Mass concluded with the joyful sharing of sweets among children, youth, clergy, and religious, marking a historic day of faith and festivity in Kandhamal.
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