We have a pope! Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV. What an exciting day to be a Catholic! 

I was surprised and even shocked when Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost was announced as the 267th Bishop of Rome, making him the first American-born pope. Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV spent time as a missionary in Peru. He is a canon lawyer and a theologian. I have not met him before, but in talking with some of my fellow bishops around the world who have, they describe him as a good and decent man. 

I feel the Church in the United States is a very vibrant Church, with examples of robust parish life, faithful Catholic education and young adults engaging with their Catholic faith. My hope is Pope Leo will bring that energy to the universal Church and to the Vatican, using it to address both the opportunities and the challenges the Church faces.

The last pope to take this name, Pope Leo XIII, is consider to be the father of modern Catholic social teaching. Pope Leo XIV will also face issues surrounding social justice, human rights, peace, and religious freedom among many others. May God lead him as he charts our course through these important times.  

Please take a minute to watch the short interview on the new pope I did this afternoon. There's also a quick video of my reaction to the announcement as it happened (Yes, I was certainly surprised!). You can find both videos below. 

We will have an announcement of a special Mass of thanksgiving for the election of Pope Leo in the coming days. For now, let's all pray for Pope Leo and for the Church. Let us put our trust in God and know that His hand always guides us. "The human heart plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps." (Proverbs 16:9)

May God bless you now and always.