On Thursday, May 8, Maureen Putnam was on her laptop listening to NPR and planning the details of the upcoming Masses at Christ Our Light Parish in Princeton.
“In fact, I was in mid-sentence, typing the first intercession intended for our newly elected Pope,” she said. “As I heard the cheers from the crowds in Rome coming from the radio, I waited eagerly to hear the name announced.”
Putnam, director of music and liturgy at Christ our Light, is one of the many people working in parishes and schools around the diocese the day Pope Leo’s election was announced.
As white smoke appeared at the Vatican, the staff at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Sartell gathered in the church to watch the Vatican livestream on the big screens. Students and staff from the school and even some parishioners joined them to watch.
“Showing the celebration and the new pope’s appearance and first message made us feel a part of history,” said Tom Offerdahl, parish business manager. “We were ringing our church bells and were excited to know a new leader had been chosen.”
As the news of the new pope’s election spread, parish staffs and schools around the diocese took a break from their meetings and classes to tune in and watch.
Julie LaFlamme was hosting a guest speaker in her ninth grade religion class at the Father Pierz School of Religion in Pierz when the smoke appeared.
LaFlamme and her students watched the livestream with Father Aaron Nett, pastor of the Father Francis Xavier Pierz Area Catholic Community, youth minister Jesse Zajac and guest speaker Brandon Allaman from LivinU, a traveling ministry for youth and young adults. They watched nervously as they waited for the new pope to appear on the balcony, she said.
“We celebrated with pizza later, since the students didn’t want to leave to go to lunch,” LaFlamme said.
Bonnie Massmann, principal of St. Wendelin School in Luxemburg, rang the church bells to announce the news.
“I think our new pope’s election was very unexpected, it was an intervention of God,” Massmann said.
Pleasant surprise was a common reaction among staff and students alike to the announcement of Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV.
“I and others in attendance were surprised that Pope Leo XIV is from the United States,” Offerdahl said. “There is some excitement in that news, but I don’t believe that will be a factor in how he leads us.”
LaFlamme said that her students were excited that the new pope is from the United States, and particularly that he a native of Chicago, Illinois, a mid-westerner.
One student remarked that they, “hope that Pope Leo XIV has the love John Paul II expressed, is able to speak the truth with love and tenderness and [also has] a heart for the poor like Pope Francis.”
“[I hope he is a pope] who also is like Benedict the XVI,” the student continued, “with a ‘We are not made for comfort we are made for greatness’ attitude, who encourages us to strive to be saints.”
Offerdahl said he hopes that Pope Leo XIV will find ways to address the clergy shortage in our country and anywhere else that priests are needed.
“We are blessed to be living at a time when we can find many answers that address needs in our lives, communities and world,” he said. “I hope he can help all to realize and be thankful for the gifts we’ve been given from God.”
Putnam said that when she finally heard Pope Leo’s name announced, she was elated to learn that he was American, he was young, and he had a close connection to Pope Francis.
As we heard the first words of our new Holy Father, Putnam said she is relieved and hopeful that under his care, the Church will not lose sight of Pope Francis’ accomplishments and concern for the needs of the poor, the role of women in the Church, the acceptance and respect for the LGBTQ community, the protection of immigrants, as well as the care for our planet.
“I cried tears of relief hoping that he might become a voice of reason during this time of global turmoil,” she said. “Perhaps a pope from the United States might be able to become a bridge for bringing the Gospel message of love and mercy into this current divided political climate, which often regards power more than human life.”
I will continue to pray for him,” Offerdahl said. “That he keeps well and safe and that the Holy Spirit will guide him in effecting change that will challenge and help us live the Gospel.”
Putnam did finally finish the sentence she was working on before the announcement, the first intercession read at her parish on Good Shepherd Sunday: “For our new shepherd of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo the 14th; may he receive God’s guidance, strength, and protection in his role as the Vicar of Christ.”