The Board of Bishop's Congratulations to the Catholic Church on the Election of a New Pope

We, the Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, would like to congratulate the Catholic Church on the election of a new pope!

The election of Robert Francis Prevost is historic in the life of the Catholic Church. The new pope is the first American-born Pope from the United States, having been born in Chicago, IL. The new pope has chosen the name Leo XIV. Pope Leo XIV is known as a leader with global experience. He spent much of his career as a missionary in South America and, most recently, led a powerful Vatican office for bishop appointments.

Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian religious order, which is spread across the world. He led the order for more than a decade as its prior general. The new pontiff used his first remarks to say he is a son of St. Augustine, and he quoted the saint’s famous phrase: “For you, I am a bishop, with you, after all, I am a Christian.” That reflects the idea that all the people in the church hierarchy – from leaders to everyday members – walk together.

We pray for God’s guidance, wisdom, and protection for Pope Leo XIV. We continue to pray for the Catholic Church and all of Christendom that there may be peace, love, hope, justice, righteousness, and unity through the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer!

Sincerely,

The Board of Bishops

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

This 9^th Day of May, in the Year of Our Lord 2025

The Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

Bishop U.U. Effiong, President

Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Senior Bishop

Bishop W. Darin Moore

Bishop George D. Crenshaw

Bishop Hilliard Dogbe

Bishop Brian R. Thompson, Sr.

Bishop Eric L. Leake

Bishop Daran H. Mitchell

Bishop Anthony N. Witherspoon

Bishop Melanie Miller

Bishop Dwayne A. Walker

Bishop Bernando J. Ngunza

Bishop Seth O. Lartey, Located

Bishop Joseph Johnson, Retired

Bishop Marshall H. Strickland, Retired

Bishop Nathaniel Jarrett, Jr., Retired

Bishop George W. C. Walker, Sr., Retired

Bishop S. Chuka Ekeman, Retired

Bishop Warren M. Brown, Retired

Bishop Kenneth Monroe, Retired

Bishop Dennis V. Proctor, Retired

Bishop Michael A. Frencher, Sr., Retired