Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congratulates Pope Leo XIV inauguration in letter

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was one of several global religions that attended the Mass of Inauguration for Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected leader of the Catholic Church.

On Sunday, May 18, Pope Leo XIV officially opened his pontificate with the Mass of Inauguration, during which he vowed to work for unity in a polarized Catholic Church and world. The Associated Press reports that Leo said he wanted the church to be a force for peace in the world.

The Mass of Inauguration was attended by several different religious representatives from around the world, including the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ. In addition to attending the Mass, Elder Matthew S. Holland of the Seventy also joined Pope Leo XIV and other global faith representatives for a private audience on Monday, May 19.

During the private audience, Holland presented a congratulatory letter from the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the letter, the Utah religious leaders sent their “warmest regards” to the newly elected pope.

“We deeply appreciate our longstanding relationship with the Catholic Church and the many ways we have worked together to relieve suffering around the globe,” the First Presidency wrote. “We look forward to continuing our work towards a world where peace, human life and dignity, and religious freedom are cherished and protected.”

The full letter from the First Presidency, which is led by President Russell M. Nelson, can be found below:

Your Holiness:

On behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we send our warmest regards upon your election as the Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. This vital responsibility requires great wisdom, humility, strength, and compassion. Your lifetime of faith and admirable character leave you well prepared to answer this call to serve God`s children.

We deeply appreciate our longstanding relationship with the Catholic Church and the many ways we have worked together to relieve suffering around the globe. We look forward to continuing our work towards a world where peace, human life and dignity, and religious freedom are cherished and protected. We share your commitment to follow the example of Jesus Christ and welcome further opportunities to collaborate in caring for those in need.

May the Lord guide and sustain you as you embark on this weighty new ministry that is so vital and needed in the world today.
– A letter addressed to Pope Leo XIV from the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.