OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) – After a day and a half of deliberating, the Catholic church has a new leader. In a history-making move, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was chosen as the next pope, becoming the first American-born cardinal to take that role. The selection of Cardinal Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, came as a shock to some in western Kentucky, including the Catholic Diocese of Owensboro.
Evansville bishop calls the election of new pope a special joy
Bishop William Medley says he did not expect the Conclave to go with an American cardinal. He says Prevost was not seen as a top candidate, similar to how he viewed the selection of Pope Francis twelve years ago. The 267th pope is the first from America, but Bishop Medley says it will be important for Pope Leo to remain impartial.
“It will be a challenge for Pope Leo XIV not to fall into the trap of seeming to be perceived as pro-United States any more than he would be pro-Africa or pro-South America or Central America or Asia,” explains Bishop Medley.
Pope Leo XIII led the Catholic church from 1878 to 1903 and was an advocate for social justice. Bishop Medley believes that played a role in selecting the same name for Pope Leo XIV…