In a gesture of warm appreciation and spiritual solidarity, Pope Leo XIV sent a formal letter of congratulations to Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke on the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination. The message, dated June 17, 2025, and issued from the Vatican during the Holy Year, commended Cardinal Burke for his decades of faithful service to the Church and his enduring dedication to the law and the Gospel.
Pope Leo XIV’s Letter:
To Our Venerable Brother
RAYMOND LEO Cardinal BURKE of the Holy Roman Church
Cardinal-Priest of the Basilica of Saint Agatha of the Goths at Rome
As he celebrates the Golden Jubilee of his priestly ordination in Rome, which he received as a priest of the Diocese of La Crosse, we thank him 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. 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. 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.
Given at the Vatican, 17 June, in the Holy Year 2025
Pope Leo XIV
In response, Cardinal Burke expressed deep humility and gratitude, not only for the papal recognition but also for the election of Pope Leo XIV himself. His message included an appeal for prayers for the Holy Father as he leads the Church in a time of trial.
Cardinal Burke’s Response:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
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. Please join me in thanking Our Lord for the election of Pope Leo XIV, Successor of Saint Peter, as the Shepherd of the Church throughout the world.
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.
Viva il Papa!
As the Church marks this significant milestone in Cardinal Burke’s vocation, both messages reflect the unity, gratitude, and hope that continue to animate the life of the Church under the guidance of its leaders.