Winona-Rochester Diocese 'rejoicing' at selection of first U.S.-born pope

ROCHESTER — Father Will Thompson, vicar general of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, said he never expected to see the Catholic Church appoint someone born in the U.S. as pope.

Thompson gave public remarks at the diocese headquarters Thursday afternoon in response to Chicago-born missionary Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, being elected as the first pope from the United States in the history of the Catholic Church.

“The church in America is seen as a little cavalier,” Thompson said, speaking in the sanctuary at the diocese's new pastoral center in northwest Rochester.

Thompson said he believes that attitude is rooted in the democratic culture in the U.S.

“The church is not a democracy,” Thompson said. “The church wants to hear from all people within it, but the church is not a democracy.”

Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin

Along with surprise, Thompson said the diocese, the church and Christians are rejoicing with the news from Rome.

Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV, emphasized a message of peace when he spoke to a crowd from St. Peter’s Basilica in Italian and Spanish, but not English.

Thompson said people are scrutinizing what Leo says and how he says it to get an indication of what his papacy will be like.

“They’re looking for any insight,” he said.

Thompson said Leo’s choice of languages showed acknowledgment to the Italian people gathered outside the basilica, church tradition and reflected his experience including as a president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America in 2023 in Peru.

“With all of these different experiences, we can see him as someone really close to us,” Thompson said. “He’s now a holy father for everybody.”

Leo succeeds Pope Francis who died April 21, 2025.

Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin

In his time as pope, Francis criticized the rise of anti-immigration policies in the U.S. and right-wing populism and supported decriminalizing homosexuality.

Thompson said Francis brought to mainstream Catholics a philosophy of “synodality,” which is a concept of “walking together.” Synodality emphasizes the need for mutual listening and collaboration among all levels of the Church, from the lay people to the pope, Thompson said.

Leo’s first message as pope, emphasizing peace indicates a willingness to continue that philosophy, Thompson said.

“He seems to be signaling that he’s going to continue to bridge gaps,” Thompson said. “Gaps in the world, gaps in the church or even gaps within families as we walk together as a church.”

Emphasizing peace also seemed to signal his willingness to be a part of bridging those gaps wherever he is asked to be,” Thompson said.

“I think he’s going to take every seat at the table he is offered,” he said.

Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin

Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin

Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin