DETROIT – Detroit Catholics erupted in joy on Thursday, May 8, 2025, as Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment as the first American to hold the papacy. The pontiff’s connections to Michigan made this event even more special for local parishioners.
“We were really excited and proud,” said Mary Beth Weichbrodt, a volunteer at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. “When he was announced as an American, it was incredible. There’s never been an American Pope.”
The newly elected pope, 69, hails from Chicago and attended St. Augustine Seminary High School in Holland, Michigan. His election on the second day of the papal conclave at the Vatican represents a watershed moment for the American Catholic Church.
Archbishop Edward Weisenburger of Detroit learned of the historic news shortly after landing at Detroit Metro Airport. “I was held back by my seat belt from doing my Snoopy dance right there in the aisle of the plane,” Weisenburger said. “I never in my lifetime thought that there would be an American Pope.”
The selection of an American pontiff signifies a significant shift in church history. “For a long time, the concern was geopolitics,” Weisenburger noted. “Certain countries and nations would fear that the United States has sort of taken over now the papacy of the Catholic Church.”
Father J.J. Mech from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament emphasized Pope Leo XIV’s missionary background as particularly significant. “What I love about him being a missionary is that you don’t go and impose things when you’re on a mission,” Mech explained. “You learn from the people and they teach you, and then you form each other.”
Weisenburger described the new pontiff as a theological moderate. “I love moderates. I find working out of the heart of the church and avoiding these two extremes that sometimes suck all the air out of the room.”
Local Catholics view Pope Leo XIV’s American background as potentially transformative for the church. “It means a whole lot, because he knows what’s going on in our country, and our country is divided,” Weichbrodt said. “Our church has a lot of different ideas about things. And here’s somebody that has experience with both.”
Christine Jiddou, another local Catholic, expressed optimism about the impact on American Catholicism. “I’m thrilled, because I think this will be a resurgence for America and the faith of America,” Jiddou said.
As Detroit Catholics celebrate this historic moment, Cathedral staff member Canary Erving acknowledged the challenges ahead. “Everybody’s not going to like what he has to say, but as long as he stays strong and stays in the Lord, he will be OK,” said Erving.
The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament is hosting a Thanksgiving Mass on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 5 p.m. to honor Pope Leo XIV.
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV’s history in Michigan is significant. He attended St. Augustine Catholic Seminary, a boarding school in Laketown Township, during the 1970s. Before his election, he served for decades in Peru as a missionary, where he developed a close relationship with Pope Francis.
Michael Hovey, a senior instructor at the University of Detroit-Mercy and former coordinator for ecumenical and interfaith relations for the Archdiocese of Detroit, expressed delight at the new pope’s election. “I think we’re going to see great things out of him,” Hovey told the Free Press shortly after the announcement.
Hovey, who shares a missionary background with Pope Leo XIV, highlighted the significance of the name chosen by the new pope. “I’m especially happy with the name he’s chosen, Leo XIV, because Leo XIII is the pope who started what we now call Catholic social teaching,” he said. “Leo XIII wrote an encyclical on the rights of workers, critiquing some of the excesses of capitalism.”
Archbishop Weisenburger held a news conference on May 8 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, expressing his immense joy over the election of an American pope. “Pope Leo XIV's election leaves me exceptionally joyful,” Weisenburger stated. “I must humbly acknowledge that I did not anticipate a United States citizen would be elected Pope.”
For decades, the notion of an American pope was considered taboo due to fears of U.S. dominance in the church. Weisenburger noted the new pope's extensive experience in South America and his ties to Pope Francis, who appointed him to lead the Detroit archdiocese.
“His lifetime of ministry includes many years of ministry as a bishop in Peru, giving him a thorough understanding of South America,” Weisenburger said. “Moreover, his close association with Pope Francis, history of charitable efforts for the poor and marginalized, extensive prior experience in the Vatican, and personal humility are all qualities that perhaps focused the light of Christ upon him for his brother Cardinals to see.”
Pope Leo XIV’s election has sparked excitement among Michigan Catholics, with many hoping he will continue the legacy of caring for marginalized communities established by Pope Francis. However, there are concerns about how he will address the church's handling of sexual abuse cases, as critics have pointed out his history in this area.
In a statement released by SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, they called upon Pope Leo XIV to take decisive action in his first 100 days to adopt a zero-tolerance policy on abuse. “The church has no credibility to speak on children’s rights while it continues to shelter predators and shield bishops from accountability,” SNAP stated.
Despite the challenges, many local leaders remain hopeful. Paul Long, the CEO of the Michigan Catholic Conference, expressed optimism about Pope Leo XIV’s potential. “The cardinals’ election of Pope Leo XIV is a source of joy and excitement for Catholics and indeed all people of goodwill in Michigan and across the globe,” Long said.
As the world awaits the new pope's first addresses, his connections to Michigan and his background as a missionary and educator are seen as promising foundations for a new era in the Catholic Church.
Overall, the election of Pope Leo XIV marks a historic and hopeful moment for American Catholics, as they look forward to his leadership in a time of both challenge and opportunity.
