Inland Northwest Catholic leaders praise divine gift of first U.S. Pope Leo XIV
News Story by Lisa Ormond | FāVS News
Just days ago, a first ever American pope arrived on the world scene standing on the St. Peter’s Balcony humbly accepting his historic new appointment in leading Catholics, Christians and in general, the world, as a man of faith seeking to offer peace, prayer and purpose.
“As we rejoice, so the world rejoices,” said Bishop Peter F. Christensen of the Diocese of Boise, Idaho, in his May 9 official statement about the new Holy Father. Christensen oversees approximately 180,000 Catholics in the state of Idaho for the church.
“We pray that the Holy Spirit will help Pope Leo XIV to be a Good Shepherd to all the world, as he leads, feeds, teaches and protects with the heart of Jesus,” Christensen added.
Sister Paschalina Marie, of Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church of the Diocese of Spokane, Washington, said a memorable highlight for her was the first reception the people offered Pope Leo on his arrival and first appearance on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on May 8. It left a resounding impression on her.
“Seeing all the faithful from around the world in unity and joy welcoming, cheering, and celebrating the Holy Father in St. Peter’s Square that day was so miraculous,” she said.
A good shepherd walks among us
While area Catholics are still learning and discovering more about the 267th Pope Leo XIV as the news media dive deeper into his eminence, regional Catholic leaders expressed unquestionable support, spiritual joy and sincere gratitude for their newly-elected pontiff seen as a true gift from the divine.
“The Holy Spirit has once again blessed the Catholic Church with a new pontiff, American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the first pope from the United States. The Church of Idaho celebrates the election of Pope Leo XIV with great joy and hope,” said Christensen.
“I don’t know much about him, but I’m looking forward to getting to know him,” Sr. Maria said. He’s a gift; I’m openly receiving the mystery of this new gift.”
“I’m happy about the successor of Peter and our spiritual father,” Mónico Heredia, Diocese of Boise seminarian born in Mexico, said excitedly. “We thank the Holy Spirit for our new pope.”
Mysterious timing of divine influence
According to the Rev. Jerome Montez, Order of St. Benedict, a 25-year Catholic priest in rural Northern Idaho, Cardinal Robert Prevost’s unexpected and swift election to the papacy was a “clear signal” of extraordinary interventions when after just two days the papal conclave agreed on its choice.
“I’m still star-struck we have an American pope that was elected. It was historic that it happened so fast,” said Montez. “It was totally the Holy Spirit’s involvement.”
Bishop Thomas A. Daly of the Diocese of Spokane oversees Eastern Washington Catholic communities estimated at 85,000. The Spokesman-Review talked with Daly the day after Pope Leo’s appointment to lead the worldwide Catholic church of 1.4 billion faithful.
“It’s early. It’s a surprise,” Daly said of Leo’s selection. “We just have to hope and pray. The church, I think today, needs greater unity.”
Positive thumbs up for new pontiff
Pope Leo XIV received good first impression positive marks from Inland Northwest faith leaders as a quality choice to be the new shepherd and the Roman Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
“I loved his recent words (first homily as pope) and especially his comment that evil will not prevail. I also prayerfully understood and agreed with his reflection that we need more evangelizing to be ministries,” said Ronald Onyekwelu, a Diocese of Boise Seminarian from Nigeria.
“It always has to be a church of mercy and hope,” Daly said. “But we also need teaching with clarity and charity because these are times of great relativism and confusion.”
Montez was impressed with the Holy Father’s resumé, skills and abilities he will bring to his position and voice which he saw as all positive. “He’s well-rounded to serve as the next pope, and I believe he will be stabilizing for the church,” said Montez.
“He knows the poor, he knows the politics and the culture in the U.S as well as others around the globe,” Montez said. “He also facilitated bishop appointments in the Vatican under late Pope Francis. He knows a lot of bishops around the world, which can only help him during his papacy.”
Ryan Olenick, Diocese of Boise Seminarian from Idaho, offered an additional thought for consideration as well. “It helps to understand the papacy transcends politics — it’s a spousal relationship between us and him. He is not a president; he’s not a king,” said Olenick.
More Catholics to come?
A question arose and was pondered among those interviewed as to whether an American-born pope could attract increased numbers of Catholics to Inland Northwest churches and communities across the U.S. — in the form of new converts and possibly former followers returning to the pews under his papacy.
The Idaho seminarians interviewed were looking forward to being Catholic priests in the Gem state and welcomed this possibility under their new shepherd Leo XIV seeing it as an opportunity to be chosen instruments to serve.
“This would mean we have more people we can pray for,” said Heredia. “More people are more praises to God and more praise for our journey to the Church, which means they are welcoming the Holy Spirit in their lives.”
“When you see others taking Catholicism seriously both faith and joy visibly show up and non-believers are attracted to that,” reflected Olenik. “The key is if you are a person taking faith seriously then Jesus is at the center of your life and truth and joy follow suit,” he said.
“This is why I’m giving my life to serving because there is need,” Onyekwelu offered. “I’d be happy to see the Holy Spirit doing something like this. To meet that need, we (seminarians) need to prepare to be true pastors who love their flock and lead.”
Prayers and blessings important
It’s likely too early to predict what an American pope in the Holy See may mean for a possible Catholic church revival in the U.S. But at this moment, much hope and prayer surround Pope Leo XIV as he steps forward on his sacred papal pathway walk.
“Really, it’s easy for us as humans to impulsively form opinions about things (such as the pope) already,” said Olenik. “I believe we need to ask the Holy Spirit for help to push back on that, so we can be patient. We need to open an avenue for prayer for the pope instead.”
Sr. Marie emphasized the value of silence at this time as well.
“I feel drawn to engage in deeper prayer for the Holy Father,” said Marie. “There is a need for the silence to receive this new gift. It is an important moment to remain in the Lord.”
