The Election of Pope Leo XIV: A Historic Moment for the Catholic Church
On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking a significant milestone as the first American to ascend to the papacy. Born in Chicago and holding dual citizenship with Peru, Pope Leo XIV brings a unique blend of cultural and pastoral experiences to the role. His extensive missionary work in Peru and leadership within the Augustinian order have shaped his approach to ecclesiastical governance and pastoral care.
The conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV was notably swift, concluding on its second day. Observers attribute this rapid consensus to his reputation as a bridge-builder and his alignment with the vision of his predecessor, Pope Francis. In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV emphasized themes of peace, dialogue, and missionary evangelization, signaling a commitment to continue the Church's outreach in a rapidly changing world.
Ecumenical Prayer Vigil for Peace
On the 24th day of each month, many Christians around the world keep a Prayer Vigil for Peace in Jerusalem, the Holy Land, and the Middle East.
Vision
“Aiding humanity on the pilgrimage through life.”
- Christian Ethos, Spirituality and Chivalric Values.
- Domestic Charity and International Humanitarian Aid
- Human Rights and the respect for Human Diversity
- Interfaith Dialogue and Bridge-Building
OSMTH in Action
This Award has been presented to honor the memory of the American Unknown Soldiers from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, interred within the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, USA, and in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made by all the fallen members of the United States’ armed forces that these Unknown Soldiers represent.
The OSMTH Medal of Valor is the highest international award made by the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem – OSMTH, and this is the first ever occasion on which the Medal has been awarded by the Order.
After a solemn wreath-laying, the OSMTH Medal of Valor and the accompanying Certificate and Citation were presented by the Grand Master Colonel Dr David N Appleby and the Chancellor General Brigadier General Baron John T Digilio, GCSG; in the presence of the Royal Patron of the Order, HRH Princess Elisabeth zu Ysenburg und Buedingen.
The Citation declares that: “These American Unknown Soldiers are a perpetual inspiration to our knightly Order ….” since they “…. epitomize the virtues of a ‘true knight’…. by their selfless acts of chivalry, bravery, self-sacrifice, and dedication to the defence of the principle that government of, by, and for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.”
On the evening prior to the wreath-laying ceremony the three living Grand Masters, Admiral Jim Carey, Brigadier General Patrick Rea, and current Grand Master Colonel David Appleby were present at a reception in Washington, DC. This was an historic moment for OSMTH.
After Action information.
