(Photo by Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

May 8, 2025 (Nashville, TN) –In union with Catholics around the world and all people of good will, the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia rejoice over the recent election of Pope Leo XIV! In these days of the conclave we have been united in prayer with and for the cardinals as they have sought the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the selection of our new Pope. Prioress General Mother Anna Grace Neenan was blessed to be present in St. Peter’s Square in Rome as Pope Leo XIV greeted the world from the loggia. She said, “I was filled with emotion at the words, ‘Habemus Papam,’ and to hear our new Holy Father say, ‘Peace be with you.’ I continue to be amazed and grateful at the unexpected blessing of having an American pope!”

Additionally, as a religious institute of pontifical right, we feel a special closeness to the Holy Father and promise him our daily prayers as he prepares to shepherd the Catholic Church throughout the world.

In 1860, the Congregation of Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia was established in Nashville, where its Motherhouse is located. The Sisters of St. Cecilia are dedicated to the apostolate of Catholic education. The community of over 300 sisters serves in 53 schools throughout the United States and abroad, with mission houses in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Bracciano and Rome, Italy; Elgin, Scotland; Sittard, The Netherlands, and Limerick, Ireland. For more information on the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation, please visit their website at www.nashvilledominican.org.