U.S. Bishops Release New Video of Reaction to Pope Leo XIV's Election for his 1st Anniversary as Pontiff - VIDEO
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Pope Leo XIV, has now achieved his first year as pontiff. The election of the first North American pope sent a wave of exhilaration and disbelief throughout the Catholic Church, particularly within the United States. From the streets of Chicago to the halls of the Vatican, bishops and clergy have shared their personal reactions to last year's historic moment. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops just released a new video with bishops giving their testimonies; they include, Auxiliary Bishop Robert Lombardo of Chicago, Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois; Archbishop Richard Garth Henning, of Boston, Bishop Ronald Hicks of New York; Cardinal Blaise Cupich of Chicago; Bishop Paul Etienne of Seattle; Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski of St. Louis; Auxiliary Bishop Christopher Cooke of Philadelphia; Bishop Douglas Lucia of Syracuse, New York; Bishop Robert McClory of Gary, Indiana; Bishop William Draper Byrne, Bishop of Springfield in Massachusetts; Bishop Christopher R. Cooke, Auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and Bishop Michael Barber, SJ, of Oakland, California.
A Moment of Shock and Joy
The initial reaction across the board was one of stunned delight. Many leaders admitted they never expected to see an American on the Chair of Peter in their lifetime.
Surprise at the Grocery Store: One bishop recalled being in a grocery store when the message came through: "We've elected a pope." He paid for his groceries quickly and flew home to witness the news.
The Scene at St. Peter's: Another leader was circumstantially in St. Peter's Square when the white smoke appeared. Even there, the Latin announcement caused a moment of confusion until the reality set in: an American had been chosen.
Impromptu Watch Parties: At pastoral centers, staff gathered for emotional watch parties, describing an atmosphere of "intense faith" and "riveting excitement" as they realized the new Holy Father was someone they knew.
The Chicago Connection
There is a profound sense of "double pride" among those from Illinois. Pope Leo XIV is a native of the Chicago area, specifically Dalton, which has created an unprecedented buzz in the city.
Hometown Roots: Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York noted the friendly rivalry of their upbringing: "He’s from Dalton; I’m from South Holland. He’s a Sox fan; I’m a Cub fan."
Divergent Paths: While the Pope joined the Augustinians and served as a missionary in South America, Bishop Paprocki stayed in the Archdiocese of Chicago, yet they share the same "Land of Lincoln" roots and Roman education in canon law.
Community Reaction: The excitement transcends the Catholic Church, with Jewish, agnostic, and secular neighbors all sharing in the pride that "Chicago produced a pope."
A Pastor’s Heart and Missionary Spirit
Beyond his nationality, the clergy are moved by Pope Leo's specific background and personal style.
An Augustinian Influence: As the first Augustinian pope, he brings the spirituality of St. Augustine—focusing on the "restless heart" that hungers for Christ.
Global Experience: Archbishop Rozanski, noted his time as a missionary and bishop in Peru and his leadership of the Augustinian order in Rome have prepared him to represent the "Americas" as a whole. One bishop was particularly moved when the Pope switched to Spanish during his first address, acknowledging his missionary identity.
Continuity and Freshness: Bishop Etienne sees him as a continuation of Pope Francis’ compassionate witness, yet with a unique stamp. He is described as simple, humble, and calm, possessing the "actions of a pastor."
Looking Toward the Future
For many American bishops, the most relatable change is a practical one: for the first time, they have a Pope who is younger than some of them and who speaks English as his native language.
Bishop Barber said, "There’s an immediacy of conversation that I look forward to... he has a fresh take on the church having lived in the northern and southern hemispheres."
As Pope Leo XIV "hits the ground running," the sentiment among the leadership is clear: despite the initial "incredulity" that an American could be elected, there is a deep conviction that the Holy Spirit is guiding the Church into safe, capable, and extraordinarily pastoral hands.
Bishop McClory said, "St. Augustine was one who acknowledged and said, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in thee, my God." And Pope Leo, as an Augustinian, has really brought the teachings which are so tremendous and beautiful, the insights of St. Augustine really to the forefront which is a towering intellect coupled with a life history that wasn't perfect in the case of St. Augustine; as well as just a powerful sense that the heart hungers for Christ."
Image Thumbnail from the USCCB Video of Pope Leo XIV
Edited from the USCCB Video
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