Local church leader says selection of American Pope is “unprecedented”

The Roman Catholic Church has a new Pope.

He is 69-year-old Leo XIV – the first-ever American chosen to lead the Roman Catholic Church in its 2,000 year history.

In the Joplin area, the reaction is decidedly good.

Father Brian Straus is the Pastor at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Joplin. He says it’s a very special moment for the church.

“It’s a day for Catholics around the world to celebrate but it’s especially for American Catholics unprecedented,” Father Straus said.

Father Straus says when choosing the new Pontiff, the Cardinals in Rome may have had the previous Holy Father in mind:

“I do think the Cardinals elected him partially because he has some things in common with Pope Francis: He has involvement in South America.  He has a love for the poor in Peru and a love for missionary work and that’s an important tie to Pope Francis, as well.

“I think that had a lot to do with his appeal to many of the Cardinals.”

“Everyone I know  is thrilled and following closely and was watching for the white smoke, ” Father Straus said. “Very many Catholics are personally interested in this.”

Pope Leo XIV, the American Robert Prevost, said “Peace be with you” in his first words as pope, offering a message of peace and dialogue “without fear.”

Father Straus pointed out that, at age 69, Leo XIV is fairly young for a Pope.

Pope John Paul II was 58 years old when he became Pope in 1978 and served until his death in 2005 when he was 84 years old.

“That means the new Pope could be leading the church for decades to come,” Father Straus said.