Photo by Alison Girone
Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke received a personal letter of congratulations from Pope Leo XIV in celebration of the 50th anniversary of his June 29, 1975, ordination to the priesthood.
The letter, shared by Cardinal Burke in a July 8 X post, honors Cardinal Burke’s contributions to the Church and his dedication to the Gospel.
Pope Leo thanked Cardinal Burke “for the prompt service he has zealously carried out and the earnest care he has demonstrated most especially for the law, which has also been of good service to the Dicasteries of the Apostolic See.”
The reference to Cardinal Burke’s Vatican service comes after changes to his official roles under Pope Francis, who removed him from his position as prefect of the Apostolic Signatura in 2014, moving him to a largely ceremonial position as patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta — a role he no longer holds.
“He has preached the precepts of the Gospel according to the Heart of Christ and has recounted His treasures, diligently offering his devoted service to the Church universal,” Pope Leo wrote. “While anticipating the very best for him, and under the watchful care of blessed Peter and Paul the Apostles, it is our good pleasure to impart our Apostolic Blessing to him and to those near to him.”
Cardinal Burke, who was ordained 50 years ago to minister in the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, thanked Pope Leo and invited the faithful to pray for the new pontiff.
“I am very humbled to have received this letter from His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of my ordination to the Holy Priesthood,” he wrote. “Please also pray for Pope Leo XIV that Our Lord, through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint Peter Apostle, and Pope Saint Leo the Great, will grant him abundant wisdom, strength, and courage to do all that Our Lord is asking of Him in these tumultuous times.”
“May God bless Pope Leo and grant him many years,” Cardinal Burke concluded. “Viva il Papa!”
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