First U.S. born pope sparks local excitement and hope

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- As the bells rang out at the Vatican after the election of Pope Leo XIV as the new Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, the bells of the Cathedral of St. Joseph could be heard throughout downtown.

Father Stephen Hansen said that he, like much of the world, was surprised that a U.S. born Cardinal, born just in Chicago, is now the pope. However, Hansen said that the message of Pope Leo XIV echoes the care for the poor that his predecessor Pope Francis brought to the church, accompanied by an ongoing emphasis upon peace.

"I loved his constant reference to the word 'peace'," Hansen said. "He also emphasized the need to be bridge builders, and to be welcoming."

Given the new pontiff's missionary background, having spent many years doing mission work in Peru, and leading the Augustinian religious order of the Church, Hansen said Leo has established himself as a well-respected leader, calling him "well-seasoned."

Because everyone found out about this unlikely new pope at the same time, even the local diocese was caught a bit off guard. Ashlie Hand, communications coordinator of the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City/St. Joseph, said that Bishop Jeffrey Johnston spent much of the day reading up on the background of
Pope Leo and preparing to give responses to local media and to the diocese. She added that he would likely have an official statement by the end of the week welcoming the Church's new leader.

The Cathedral of St. Joseph held a Rosary prayer gathering on the night of Leo XIV's election and will host special masses in the coming days.