American prelates express their response to the selected Pontiff hailing from Chicago
HOWDEY, LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT BANG-UP WEEK FOR THE CATHOLIC CHURCH! Cardinals from around the world gathered at the Vatican to elect a new pope, and guess who snagged the top spot? None other than Cardinal Robert Prevost, hailing all the way from the windy city, Chicago - now known as Pope Leo XIV! And folks, it seems those U.S. cardinals who voted in the conclave ain't too shabby about having an American as the Pope.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, former archbishop of Galveston-Houston, put it this way - Leo ain't just an American, he's a citizen of the entire world! Cardinal Prevost's international life's work, including ministry in Peru and high-level church administration at the Vatican, is proof of that. But Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, had a more spiritual take on ol' Leo's nationality. He described it as us all having our true citizenship in heaven.
Now, understand this ain't just another political election in these cardinals' eyes, despite our secular world likening it to one. Joseph, Cardinal Tobin of Newark, says the electors were focused on more profound questions, such as what the church needs, what the world needs, and what they're dreaming about. The outcome was seen as a beacon of hope beyond the church, with its troubles like financial problems, sex abuse, falling numbers, and internal tensions over doctrine.
Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago hopes that this signals an opportunity for reconciliation and peace - not just within the church, but across the world. The church, Friend, exists for the life of the world, plain and simple. So, will U.S. cardinals feel a special connection to the pope from America? Well, maybe just as special as any cardinal feels toward the pope, but certainly informed by common experiences, like growing up Catholic in the U.S. And hey, who knows? Perhaps there'll be a bit more soup and buns at the Vatican now that we got our own Yank in charge!
That's all for now, and we hope you enjoyed this little chat. Join us next time for more scoop on the Catholic Church! Peace out!
Pope Leo XIV's U.S. citizenship, as a result of his American origin in Chicago, is celebrated by fellow cardinals, with Cardinal Daniel DiNardo emphasizing his global citizenship and Cardinal Timothy Dolan referring to the concept of our true citizenship being in heaven. Cardinal Joseph Tobin highlighted the profound questions the electors pondered, including the needs of the church and the world, and Cardinal Blase Cupich expressed hope for reconciliation and peace with Pope Leo XIV's election, viewing it as a beacon of hope beyond the church's troubles.
