Diocesan priests share reactions to Pope Leo XIV as Successor to Saint Peter

Photograph of Pope Leo XIV released by the Vatican. (Photo/Vatican Media)

By Philip A. Janquart

ICR Assistant Editor

BOISE - Following the election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8, the Idaho Catholic Register asked priests from around Idaho to share their initial thoughts upon hearing that then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, originally from Chicago, would be the Successor to Saint Peter, the leader of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church.

Below are some reactions just days after his election, which ranged from complete surprise to hope for the future:

Father Caleb Vogel, Vicar General of the Diocese of Boise:

"We have a Pope! I am grateful to have a new successor to Saint Peter. Throughout the Conclave, I stayed away from the media, who always do the usual, “who do you think the next Pope will be?” Thus, I am neither surprised nor disappointed. Rather, I am filled with hope for our Church. To be honest, I don’t know anything about him. Thus, I don’t want to put him in any boxes. Rather, I prefer to let him step out and lead us unencumbered by my preconceived notions or judgments. May God bless him!"

Father Germán Osorio, rector of St. John the Evangelist Cathedral, Boise

“What a great blessing that, on the second day of the conclave, the cardinals made the difficult yet inspired decision to elect the new Pope, now known as Leo XIV. The Holy Spirit continues to guide the invisible threads of the Church and now does so under the leadership of this new Shepherd.

We also feel blessed because he comes from the country that has welcomed us—this makes us feel closer to our new Pope. We offer him our obedience and respect for what he represents: the successor of Saint Peter.”

Father Rob Cook, Pastor of St. Joseph’s, Sandpoint:

“I never thought it possible that someone from the United States would be selected Pope. So, I was very surprised! However, after learning some of his background, it made more sense that Pope Leo XIV would have been known by many of the other cardinals. It is still amazing, though, and I look forward to his ministry as our Holy Father. I appreciated his greeting of peace and his desire to seek unity.”

Fr. Nathan Dail, Vocations Director and Director of St. Paul’s Student Center (BSU), Boise:

He is a breath of fresh Catholic air!

Father Camilo García, pastor of St. Nicholas Parish, Rupert:

“The Pope deeply understands the life of missionaries around the world. Personally, I identify with him through my own missionary experiences during my time at the Diocesan Seminary of Tacámbaro, Michoacán, Mexico.

Leo XIV radiates a spirit of compassion and humility—fundamental virtues for every disciple of Christ in proclaiming the Gospel of the Good Shepherd. He also has a profound love for the Mother of God, as evidenced by his choice to be consecrated bishop on December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Pope himself has said that, upon being chosen as the Successor of Saint Peter, he was given a cross to carry upon his shoulders. This image becomes even more meaningful knowing he was born on September 14, the day the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.”

Father Abraham Ávila, Monastery of the Acension, Jerome

“I want to thank God for the new Successor of Saint Peter who will lead the Church of Christ along paths of peace. In his first address, it became clear which path he intends to follow when he said, ‘Peace be with you all.’

Establishing peace is an urgent task in a world divided by opposition, selfishness, discord and fratricidal wars. We must rebuild peace and help all humanity feel the love of God in their hearts.

That is why he invited all people to build bridges of peace, dialogue and encounter—to live united as one people of God.”