The Bishop of the Davenport Diocese is reacting to the first pope to be chosen from the United States.
A statement from Most Rev. Dennis Walsh reads,
“We have a Pope! Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the Holy Roman Church, who has taken the name of Leo XIV. The cardinals gathered from all over the world to elect the pope with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Before the election, they discussed the many needs of the Church throughout the world today. Our new pope will face many challenges, as did his predecessors. Pope Leo XIV’s election provides a way of unity to join all people to love one another in spite of our different situations and perspectives, to be an inspiration to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We pray that he will be a true witness to a life of humility and service. Please join me in prayer and thanksgiving to God for Pope Leo XIV, for our Church – the People of God, and for the many blessings that we receive from the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ.”