Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost (College of Cardinals)
DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — While almost everyone was surprised to learn the new pope of the Catholic Church is from the United States, the feeling was even greater for those who know Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost.
“I was shocked,” said Rev. Matthew Dougherty of St. Norbert College. “Number one, because he’s an American, and I think very few people would have ever thought that an American would become a pope. But then to hear it was this American — this Father Bob, as I knew him — is now Pope Leo XIV, it’s pretty wild.”
Dougherty met with Prevost about once a month while he was attending Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
“I know him as a spiritual director, but he was more listening than speaking,” said Dougherty. “I think he probably learned more about me than I learned about him.”
From what Dougherty did learn about Prevost, he believes he is an excellent choice to lead Catholics — particularly the strong contingent in our region.
“It means that he knows something about us,” said Dougherty. “He understands our day to day lives. He understands the day-to-day struggles of people in Chicago, the wider Midwestern area.”
Not far from St. Norbert, Rev. Jim Baraniak at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church also knew the name of the new pope when it was revealed.
“I said, ‘Did I hear that correctly? Prevost?’” said Baraniak. “They said, ‘It sounded like that.’ I’ll be honest with you, I got a little teary eyed. I started thinking, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ Because while I’ve not met Pope Leo at all, we’ve been involved in the same causes for our university.”
Like Dougherty, Baraniak also attended Catholic Theological Union and currently serves on its Board of Trustees.
Baraniak is confident Pope Leo XIV has plenty of other connections in Northeast Wisconsin.
“Because he’s only three hours to the south from Chicago, born and raised as a south sider, he’s fully aware of the Green Bay Packers,” said Baraniak. “He’s fully aware of Green Bay and De Pere. I’m sure he’s even been to our Abbey any number of times because of the religious affiliation as religious priests.”
Even more reason for Baraniak and others to perhaps have a little extra pride for the new pope.
Comments