Meet The First U.S. Pope — Here’s What Minnesota’s Bishops Are Saying

ST. PAUL, MN — Roman Catholic bishops across Minnesota are welcoming the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, who becomes the first pope from the United States and the first Augustinian to assume the papacy.

Before his election, Prevost led the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops and previously served for over two decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru.

In statements and pastoral letters, Minnesota’s bishops expressed gratitude for the new pope’s election and called on the faithful to pray for his leadership as he begins his ministry as successor to Saint Peter.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis said he joined “Catholics around the world” in giving thanks for Pope Leo XIV’s election.

“I am grateful that Pope Leo XIV has said ‘yes’ to this unparalleled call to lead,” Hebda said in a statement. “I trust that the Holy Spirit will help him to use his unique gifts and experience to serve the Church of Rome and the Universal Church.”

Hebda said a Mass for the new pope on Thursday at the Cathedral of Saint Paul.

Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, who was in Rome at the time of the announcement, said he had spoken with Pope Leo XIV in the past and described him as “a man of great intelligence, experience, and prayerfulness.”

“I hope his election will have a vivifying effect on the American church,” Barron posted on social media. “Let’s all pray for our new pope, Leo XIV!”

In Duluth, Bishop Daniel Felton issued a formal letter to the faithful, calling the conclave’s decision to elect a new pope “a moment filled with healing, hope, and joy.”

“Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will undoubtedly inspire us to deepen our relationship with Christ and to live out the Gospel with compassion and courage,” Felton wrote. He added a prayer that the Holy Father would be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to lead the Church with “wisdom, humility, and love.”

Felton closed his letter with a note of enthusiasm: “Long live Pope Leo XIV!”

Learn more about Pope Leo XIV here.