First American Pope Inspires Kansas City Catholic Leaders
The Catholic Church made history on May 8 by selecting Cardinal Robert Prevost as the first American pope. The new pontiff is a strong defender of traditional Catholic views on pro-life issues, biblical views of gender and marriage, and has criticized the media’s role in promoting false narratives to the American people (see video below).
Church leaders in the Kansas City area shared their thoughts about Pope Leo XIV, a moment that quickly made headlines across global and national news outlets. The unprecedented selection of an American pontiff has sparked discussion within the Catholic Church and among local faith communities and given hope as faith seems to be on the increase across American culture.
“Many people have said, ‘I’ve heard for years, there will never be an American pope,’” said Bishop James Johnston, who oversees the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. “For this to occur today is historic.” Johnston, like many others in the region, looks forward to the possibility of the new pope visiting the United States at some point, echoing hopes expressed by local Catholics in Kansas City faith circles.
“I think there’s a chance he will be visiting his homeland, but who knows how long that will take?” Johnston added. “But I also thought it was noteworthy that in his opening remarks, he didn’t use English, he didn’t speak in English. So, I think in part, he wants to show that he’s a shepherd for the whole world and he wasn’t going to favor the United States and favor his home country,” he explained, an approach already drawing international reactions.
Shawn McKnight, the incoming archbishop of Kansas City, like many others, was surprised by the news. “I’m still processing this, because I never anticipated in my lifetime of seeing a pope from the United States,” he said. “I’m looking forward to meeting him. I also think he has the prospect of being a very effective leader for our church, which we needed at this time with the abuse of power crisis, as well as the financial issues that the Vatican is having now.” Recent stories have detailed the Vatican’s ongoing financial challenges.
Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kan., believes the pope’s reception in Rome is an encouraging sign. “I think what you were seeing in St Peter’s Square was true of Catholics everywhere,” he said. “We’re really excited.” He also sees significance in the name he selected, because Leo XIII’s papacy was known for advocating for social justice. “That signals that that’s going to be very important,” he said. “It was important to Francis, but I think it will be important to him as well.”
Father Stephen Hess of Rockhurst University reflected on the papacy of Pope Francis. “Pope Francis made us realize the importance of the pope,” he said. “A pope can be very curious, charismatic and affect a lot of people, so there was a lot of hope in this next pope. He was very revered by Pope Francis. Pope Francis actually elevated him to leadership roles during the last 10 years.” The transition and impact of these leadership changes within the Church continue to be discussed.
Naumann encourages Christians to pray for the first American pope. “It is humanly impossible,” he said. “But with the Holy Spirit, all things become possible.”
–Alan Goforth
