Diocesan response to new American pope

LUMEN MEDIA REPORT – Just one week after the episcopal ordination of Bishop John E. Keehner as the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, on May 8 Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267^th pope.

The cardinal, 69, selected the name Leo XIV.

When news outlets announced that white smoke was spotted from the rooftop of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a new pope had been selected, Bishop Keehner sent a message to all diocesan parishes to ring their bells for five minutes and once the new pope was named he asked that the bells be rung for another five minutes.

Addressing local media less than two hours after the new Holy Father appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Bishop Keehner explained just prior to walking into a board meeting he was aware that white smoke had appeared on the “smoke cam” and the group turned on an EWTN television broadcast in the room. As soon as there was activity on the balcony, they suspended the meeting to watch the broadcast.

“It was very moving, especially when I found out who it was,” said the bishop, who noted he had recently received two letters from Cardinal Prevost – one welcomed him to the College of Bishops, one encouraged him to attend “bishops’ school.”

He called on Catholics to pray for the new pope, the church and specifically church unity.

“It’s important to recognize that he is a human being. You could see his emotions on his face and his need to catch his breath. I can’t imagine what he’s going through right now,” said Bishop Keehner, who acknowledged how shocked he was to be named a bishop and how his life has changed in a short time. “Just multiply that exponentially.”

Rome reaction

Diocesan seminarians Anthony Vera and Thomas Kollasch at Vatican when pope was introduced.

Thomas Kollasch of Bancroft and Anthony Vera of Le Mars, diocesan seminarians studying at the North American College (NAC) in Rome, left the seminary building and “sprinted to the square,” for the announcement. 

After passing through security, the group of about 30 NAC seminarians waited about 30 minutes for the announcement. Kollasch explained it was difficult to hear the cardinal’s introductory announcement because of the crowd. Once the seminarians realized the new Holy Father was an American, they were shocked.

“When he came out on the balcony and stood there for one or three or five minutes – or was it an hour? Time was non-existent. It was like he was soaking us in and loving us – and we were soaking him in and loving him,” Kollasch said.

Seminarians welcome pope video

Back at the seminary after the historic announcement, the seminarians were excited and were chanting “USA” and “Leone.”

“We sang Ad Multos Annos, the NAC song we sing at banquets and things. After dinner, we all hung out in our student lounge for a while, sharing our experiences, gratitude and hopes. It was amazing,” the Bancroft native said.

Prayers for Pope Leo
Bishop Keehner pointed out that Pope Leo’s life is now one of total devotion to the church “so we need to pray for him, to pray for the unity of the church and that we will be guided by the Holy Spirit.”  

While the pope’s inauguration will be in the near future, he said the Holy Father is already the pope, his work begins immediately as do prayers.

Within four hours of the election of the pope, Father Andrew Galles, diocesan director of worship, instructed priests of the diocese to begin praying for “Leo, our Pope” in the Eucharistic Prayer.

He also asked the parish priests to make it a priority within the next week or 10 days to celebrate a Mass with their parishioners for the new pope.

Like most Catholics, Bishop Keehner was astounded and mentioned he never thought there would be a pope from the United States, the second consecutive pope from the Americas.

“Even though our new Holy Father, Pope Leo, has spent most of his ministry in Peru and is of Peruvian descent, he was in fact born in the Chicago area. I am amazed, I am overwhelmed – truly happy and gratified,” said the bishop.

Bishop Keehner does not expect the new pope’s nationality to be the focus of his papacy, however as “the role of the Holy Father transcends national identity.”

He acknowledged it was also somewhat of a surprise with the election of Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas, who was also from a religious order.

Pope Francis was a Jesuit and Pope Leo is an Augustinian. Bishop Keehner said the new pope was even head of the Augustinian order first for the Chicago area then as head of the worldwide order from 2001-13.

The bishop anticipates that Leo XIV will work to bring hope to the world, will proclaim the

Bishop Keehner interviewed by ABC affiliate, Channel 9.

message of God’s love - a pope not just for a few but for all.

“I hope he brings some stability with him, some recognition of God’s love for all of humanity, recognition that each and every one of us are called into a relationship with Jesus and each of us are all called to holiness. Those are my hopes,” said the bishop.

The new bishop said the election of the pope came much quicker than he had expected.

“I’m grateful for the unity that the College of Cardinals has shown in selecting a Holy Father, a pope for us so quickly,” said Bishop Keehner.
 
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