As Robert Prevost, a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the new pope, Casper’s Catholic community gathered around televisions and other screens to watch the occasion.
Prevost took the name Leo XIV and became the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
St. Anthony's Tri-Parish Catholic School gather to watch as a new pope is named.
Prevost, a 69 year-old member of the Augustinian religious order, appeared on the loggia of St. Peter’s Square wearing the traditional red cape of the papacy — a cape that Pope Francis had eschewed on his election in 2013, the Associated Press reported.
“History is made! For the first time ever, a pope from the United States of America steps onto the balcony— guided by the Spirit, rooted in Christ and ready to lead the global Church with bold faith and humble strength,†The Archdiocese of Denver said shortly after the new pope was named.
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Students at St. Anthony Tri-Parish Catholic School and on a field trip watched as Prevost was announced as the new pontiff.
The school joined in prayer before the blessed sacrament to pray for Pope Leo XIV, according to the school’s Facebook page.
The school the day before held a mock conclave ahead of Prevost’s selection.
St. Anthony's Tri-Parish Catholic School held a mock conclave ahead of the election of the new pope.Â
St. Anthony’s Catholic Church’s Pastor Ray Rodriguez was not immediately available for comment.
The Parish at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Casper also watched the selection of the new pope.
St. Anthony’s pastor, Father Cliff Jacobson, said his staff had been glued to a television waiting to see who the new pope would be.
The Vatican announced American Cardinal Robert Prevost as the next Pope of the Catholic Church.
“When there was the white smoke, our staff was filled with joy,†he said. “We’ve been glued to the TV ever since watching the coverage and just waiting to see who the new pope would be.â€
“There is a great sense of joy and excitement of seeing God’s hand at work in the church itself,†he added.
St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Casper Father Cliff Jacobson spoke to the media after the announcement of American Cardinal Robert Prevost as the next Pope on Thursday morning.
Jacobson said he doesn’t know much about Prevost but that it is amazing to have an American pope.
“My prayer is that it will unify the church and I believe in his opening initial remarks, he talked about being a pope of unity and bringing the church together,†Jacobson said. “And that’s what we’re called to be, we’re called to be one.â€
Bishop Steven Biegler, Diocese of Cheyenne, said it is important to embrace him as more than just an ‘American’ pope.
“Since he is a native of Chicago, IL, Catholics in the United States of America feel a special closeness to him. Yet, it is essential to embrace him not merely as an “American†Pope. He is the Bishop of Rome and the Pope for the Roman Catholic Church,†Biegler said in a Thursday afternoon news release.
He added that the new leader of the Catholic Church called upon all to always seek peace, justice and to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ without fear.
“The election of a Pope is a discernment with faith in the Holy Spirit. We trust that the Risen Lord continues to guide the Church in every age,†Biegler wrote. “I invite Catholics and all people of good will to pray for Pope Leo XIV that he may be a humble servant and faithful witness of the Lord Jesus Christ.â€
Wyoming Republican Sen. John Barrasso on X said “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost — our first American pope. May God Bless Pope Leo XIV,â€
David Velazquez is a reporter at the Casper Star-Tribune and can be reached at 307-301-0506 or at david.velazquez@trib.com
