Valley Catholic leaders excited about the selection of Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected on day two of the Conclave. He is the first American Pope in the history of the papacy.

He took on the name Pope Leo XIV. This name follows a line of popes who focused on helping the poor.

“Just by virtue of the name he chose, Pope Leo, continuing the work of, and the spirit of, not only of Pope Francis, but of also Pope Leo XIII, who really cared about people, cared about workers and very much cared about the poor in the reality of injustice,” said Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar.

Bishop Bonnar said the new pope’s message is also similar to the message of Pope Francis.

“It’s very clear to me that there’s going to be continuity. We heard that phrase that you know, he loves us, god loves us. We also heard that we’re going to walk together. There’s that sentinel path that’s going to continue,” said Bonnar. “I’m really excited. I loved Pope Francis and I’m just, he made me Bishop. His message in the joy of the gospel is one that just really resonated with me, and what I think we are going to find with Pope Leo is much the same.”

Sister Mary McCormick with the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown also feels Pope Leo XIV will closely follow the footsteps of Pope Francis. 

McCormick also pointed to the past ministry of Cardinal Robert Prevost, saying it could be a reflection of his focus as pope.

“Being from Argentina, and being concerned about the poor, migrants, the church that has kind of been on the edge, our new Pope Leo XIV, he has spent most of his ministry, or much of his ministry in Peru, and those would be some of his same concerns,” said McCormick.

Bishop Bonnar showed his excitement for the selection. He also pointed out that Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope.

“While it's very exciting for all of us who are American that there is an American, I think that at the end of the day, I think that at the end of the day that this man is going to be a pope for all of God's people,” said Bonnar.

Bishop Bonnar also said although his message is expected to be close to the previous pope’s message, he is expecting change.

“While there’s going to be continuity with Pope Francis, I think this is a new moment for the church and for the world. Especially when we look at what’s happening in the world. That there needs to be peace, there needs to be harmony. There needs to be a shared commitment to the common good,” said Bonnar.

Governor Mike DeWine released a statement about the selection of the new pope:

"Fran and I are joyous upon the selection today of our new Pope—Pope Leo the XIV. As a member of the Augustinian order, he has lived a life of service, building communities through the commandment of loving our neighbors. Through his work as a teacher and missionary, he has been committed to spreading the Gospel by helping the poor, migrants, and the least among us. His background as a parish priest and as a missionary tells us that he will be a Pope who will work hard to stay in touch with people of all backgrounds around the world."

Bishop Bonnar will be hosting a mass on Monday, May 12 in Saint Columba Cathedral to honor the new pope.