Youngstown, Erie Bishops react to election of Pope Leo XIV

Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar has issued a statement following the election of Pope Leo XIV.

Bishop Bonnar release a statement to news outlets Thursday afternoon expressing great joy at the new pope's election.

"Once again, the Holy Spirit has descended upon the Church with the election of a new pontiff, American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. The Church of Youngstown celebrates with gratitude, joy and hope at the election of Pope Leo XIV. We pledge our prayers and support to our new shepherd," Bishop Bonnar said.

Bishop Bonnar added that the election of the new pope coincides with this weekend's observance of Good Shepherd Sunday.

"May Pope Leo XIV be a Good Shepherd who leads, feeds and protects with the heart of Jesus. May his leadership be strong, his influence extended wide and his voice be heeded by all. May this moment be a grace-filled time of unity for the Church and the world," Bonnar said.

A mass will be held Monday, May 12 at the Saint Columba Cathedral in Youngstown at 7 p.m. to pray for the new pope. An evening prayer service will also be held Wednesday, May 14 at 4 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna.

The Reverend Lawrence T. Persico of the Erie Diocese also praised the selection, calling Leo ", a faithful
shepherd whose spirit of peace and commitment to building bridges, will guide us toward
greater unity, healing and hope," and encouraging Catholics to attend services to pray for the new pontiff.