White smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel on May 8, signaling the election of a new pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native and former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, has been chosen as the 267th Bishop of Rome, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
His election marks a historic moment as he becomes the first North American-born pope in the Church’s history. Known for his pastoral leadership and commitment to unity, Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue the Church’s mission of evangelization and global engagement.
“We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us and the world needs his light. Humanity needs him like a bridge to reach God and his love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace,” said the new pontiff in his opening remarks.
Bishop Patrick Neary, CSC, expressed his support and prayers for the new pontiff.
“I am so pleased that we have such a worthy successor to Pope Francis in Cardinal Prevost. There is hardly a more challenging or important role of leadership in our world. May the Holy Spirit fill the heart of our newly appointed shepherd with wisdom and courage as he leads the Church. May he be a prophetic witness to the Gospel of unity, hope, peace and justice for peoples of every land and nation. May God grant him a long and fruitful tenure as the Successor of Peter.”
Pope Leo XIV has served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. His background includes missionary work in Peru, where he later became Archbishop of Chiclayo.
“What an exciting day as we heard the bells ringing at St. Mary’s Cathedral for the first American pope,” said Elizabeth Brown, director of the St. Cloud Mission Office and Society for the Propagation of the Faith.
“As a member of the Order of St. Augustine, he resembles Pope Francis in his commitment to the poor and migrants and to meeting people where they are on the margins by putting great emphasis on the need to build bridges. I love that he was a missionary and teacher as well as a parish priest and bishop. With so many different flags being waved and flown in St. Peter’s Square, from so many countries around the world — we really are a global church.”
Kateri Mancini, diocesan director of Social Concerns, is filled with hope on this important day.
“I feel excited to be led by a shepherd who has dedicated so much of his ministry to mission, who has chosen a name that continues the legacy of the founder of modern-day Catholic social teaching and who invited the world to greater bridge-building, dialogue and peace as part of his first address,” she said.
His priorities as pope are expected to focus on strengthening episcopal leadership, promoting unity within the Church and continuing efforts in evangelization and social justice. His leadership will likely reflect his dedication to pastoral care and global outreach.
“The election of Pope Leo XIV is so timely for this moment in the life of the Church,” said Father Scott Pogatchnik, vicar general for the St. Cloud Diocese. “Chosen amidst Easter Sundays that mark Jesus’ thrice-repeated question to Peter — ‘Do you love me?’ — and Good Shepherd Sunday, his elevation feels providential.
“Here is a man who leads without bravado and listens without passivity, embodying both the pastoral tenderness and administrative wisdom the Church deeply needs. His balanced presence offers confidence that the Petrine ministry can unify, inspire and shepherd a global flock with both conviction and compassion,” Father Pogatchnik said.
Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral approach, influenced by his missionary experience, suggests a commitment to engaging with marginalized communities and fostering dialogue within the Church.
St. Cloud chancellor Joe Towalski felt surprised to learn that the new pope was born in the U.S., particularly, at his Chicago roots.
“I’m filled with joy at the election of Pope Leo XIV, and I look forward to learning much more about our new Holy Father in the coming days and months,” Towalski said. “As a Chicago native myself, I feel a little extra joy in knowing he’s from my hometown.
“What I do know about Pope Leo from what I’ve read about him is that he is a man with a missionary spirit, a pastor’s heart and a desire to heal division. I think he will foster the same spirituality of encounter and accompaniment that Pope Francis did. In light of the many challenges facing us today, the election of Pope Leo XIV gives me much hope for the future of our Church and our world.”