Denver's Catholic community reacts to first American pope: "Very exciting. It's overwhelming"
The bells of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Denver sang out in joy Thursday morning because, for the 267th time, there is a new pope.
"It's very exciting. It's overwhelming. It's a beautiful event. It's really hard to put a lot of things into words," said Troy Harris.
He has been anxiously waiting for this moment ever since the mourning period for Pope Francis ended. He was getting ready to go on a walk when he heard the news.
"As soon as we walked out the front door, Janet checked the phone and was like 'white smoke!' We came rushing right over to pray for our pope," said Harris.
Father Sam Morehead is the rector at the Basilica and says the mass he was preparing for at noon on Thursday is a very special one, even though it was a bit hurried.
"We're going to have a celebration. I have to admit, I can't quite get the music all in line because this came so quickly, but all the prayers are going to be for Pope Leo XIV," said Morehead.
Brother Jude, Pastoral Minister at the Mother Cabrini Shrine in the Foothills, shared their excitement. "Here at The Shrine, things got very electric all of a sudden. Everybody was turning on their news. Sister Alice was turning her laptop on."
"All of a sudden, I was like, oh my gosh, that's an American! That's somebody from the United States!" he said.
Morehead says having an American pope makes it even more special.
"I'm very excited to see what the Lord might want to do with that," Morehead said.
But both he and Harris say that's only a bonus for them and American Catholics. What matters is how Pope Leo XIV can impact our world within his lifetime.
"I just pray for him, and I know he'll make the right decisions for the future of the Catholic Church and the people of the world," said Harris.
The Mother Cabrini Shrine has a special connection with the last Pope Leo. It was Leo who sent Mother Cabrini from Italy to America to help the downtrodden and immigrants who faced hardship and discrimination.
"And he's taking up that mantle," Morehead said. "Leo really wanted to be a man of peace in his time. He also interestingly was one who advocated for workers and those in destitution and great difficulties."
Brother Jude has hopes that Leo XIV will carry on the work of his predecessor, Pope Francis, but does not expect him to be the same. He hoped for "a stronger church, that means a church that is more unified. A church that is welcoming to people of various walks and people, all people, who can find a place in the heart of God."
Morehead says it's too early to know where the pope will stand on issues, but if his official name choice is any indication, Morehead says he could be a pope for the worker who serves people.
Statement from the Archdiocese of Denver on the election of the new Holy Father:
With profound gratitude to God and in union with the universal Church, the Archdiocese of Denver rejoices at the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. We offer our heartfelt prayers and congratulations! We pledge especially in the days ahead our prayerful support as he begins his ministry as the successor of Saint Peter.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a historic moment for the Church, as he becomes the first American-born to ascend to the Chair of Peter. His election is a testament to the truly universal nature of the Catholic Church and reflects the vibrant faith and contributions of the Church in the Americas. As a native of the United States, Pope Leo XIV brings a unique perspective shaped by a life of missionary service, theological insight and pastoral care. His leadership signals a renewed call to the peace that the Risen Christ alone can give, and to unity, evangelization and compassion across every culture and nation.
In this moment of grace and surprise, we give thanks for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the deliberations of the College of Cardinals and pray that the Lord may bless our new pope with wisdom, courage, faithfulness and a shepherd's heart.
As faithful sons and daughters of the Church, we unite with Catholics around the world in prayer for the Holy Father, entrusting his papacy to the loving care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and especially under her title of Our Lady of Pompei, whose feast we celebrate today.
May God bless our new Holy Father and strengthen him in his mission to lead, to serve and to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, STL, Archbishop of Denver
Most Reverend Jorge Rodriguez, Auxiliary Bishop of Denver
