Pope Leo XIV Appoints Bishop Jorge Enrique Malpica in Colombia, Praises Chinese Catholics, Celebrates Father Moral’s Birthday

Pope Leo XIV, recently elected, has made his first episcopal appointment by naming Reverend Jorge Enrique Malpica Bejarano as the bishop of the Diocese of Granada in Meta, Colombia. Malpica Bejarano, with over 30 years of pastoral service, expressed his commitment to this new mission with the support of his community. Meanwhile, Catholic students at Princeton University have found solace and unity in their faith, regularly attending weekday Mass at the university chapel and welcoming the new pope. Pope Leo XIV also made a notable gesture by requesting prayers for persecuted Catholics in China, emphasizing their communion with the Holy See. Additionally, the pope celebrated the 70th birthday of Father Alejandro Moral, Prior General, highlighting his longstanding friendship with him. Commentators have noted that Pope Leo XIV's unexpected election underscores the resilience of the Catholic Church through leadership transitions.