Utah Catholics Celebrate Historic Election of Pope Leo XIV
May 8, 2025, 6:36 PM | Updated: 6:57 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — In a momentous occasion for Catholics worldwide, the bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City shared his joy and reflections on the election of Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, who took the name of Pope Leo XIV and became the first American to hold the papacy.
The Most Rev. Bishop Oscar Solis welcomed the media into the Cathedral of the Madeleine, as he closely followed the events unfolding at St. Peter’s Square where thousands witnessed the white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel and waited eagerly for their first glimpse of the new Holy Father.
Shortly after the announcement “Habemus Papam” (“We Have A Pope”), Bishop Solis expressed that this is a blessed moment not only for the faithful but for the entire world. He asked that prayers be offered for the new spiritual leader, referring to him as “a servant of all servants.”
“The cardinals elected a pope that happens to be an American from America. It tells us about the universality of God’s love. God chooses a leader for the Catholic Church not only to serve the Catholics but to serve the entire world,” said Bishop Solis.
The excitement was palpable among the students of The Madeleine Choir School, who had been closely following the process.
Some students said they learned the news from their religion teacher after recess.
“It was kind of really wild for me because it was an American and it was not on the list,” said Pierce, a seventh-grade student.
Another student, Ava, expressed her hopes, “I hope to learn more about what he does to make the world a better place.”
Bishop Solis, who knew Pope Francis but has not yet met Pope Leo XIV, praised the new Pope’s impressive resume and years of dedication to the Church, including his missionary work in Peru and service at the Vatican and Dicastery for Bishops, the office responsible for selecting new bishops.
“A lot of people think that it is a political process, a lot of juggling, a lot of lobbying and so on. No, it was a different kind of election, where the cardinals are guided with sacred responsibility and inspiration of the Holy Spirit to choose the right man,” Bishop Solis said.
As the first Filipino to head an American Diocese, Bishop Solis was also impressed by Pope Leo XIV’s linguistic abilities, including his fluency in five languages. He was particularly moved when the new Pope addressed the crowd at St. Peter’s Square in Spanish.
Bishop Solis expressed his anticipation for Pope Leo XIV to build on the legacy of previous popes, including Pope Francis, and to address the pressing needs of the world.
Utah’s Carmelite nuns also shared their joy and prayers for the new Pope in a statement.
“We the Carmelite Nuns of Salt Lake City, give thanks to God for our newly elected Pope Leo XIV. It is the joyful vocation of a Carmelite nun to pray for our Holy Father, thus we assure Pope Leo of our love and unceasing prayer for him. May Pope Leo be strengthened by God’s peace and love.”
