Catholic Arch Bishop: Pope Leo XIV Will Usher In A New Era

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – As the world celebrates the selection of a new pope, Catholic Archbishop Rev. Patrick Pinder says he believes Pope Leo XIV will usher in a new era for the Catholic Church.

Cardinals elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope on Thursday, during the second day of the conclave.

Rev. Patrick Pinder – Archbishop, Catholic Diocese of Nassau:
“Every new pope marks a new era for the Catholic Church. I believe he will certainly embrace the best of what Pope Francis offered, but I don’t think his pontificate will be an imitation of Francis. Their personalities are very different. It’s clear he doesn’t have the same style or approach as Pope Francis.”

Pope Leo XIV becomes the first U.S.-born pope in the 267-year history of the Church.

Some are hopeful that he will continue in the footsteps of Pope Francis.

Archbishop Pinder said the Catholic community is elated to welcome a new leader following the death of Pope Francis.

When asked about the possible benefits the newly elected pope might bring to the region, Pinder responded:

Rev. Patrick Pinder – Archbishop, Catholic Diocese of Nassau:
“The Church, as you know, is a global institution, so we’ll have to wait and see. One of our responsibilities as bishops is to meet with the pope, we call them ‘ad limina’ meetings. In preparation for those, we’ll have the opportunity to share our concerns and, of course, hear his views.”

Though of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, served as an altar boy in his youth, and was ordained a priest in 1982.

Pinder also reflected on the significance of the new pope choosing the name Leo XIV.

Rev. Patrick Pinder – Archbishop, Catholic Diocese of Nassau:
“Leo XIII is often referred to as the first of the modern popes, mainly because he developed what we now call Catholic social teaching, through a document titled Rerum Novarum. That document has had a tremendous global impact, including right here in certain political circles. The fact that the new pope chose the name Leo suggests to me that he will likely focus on social issues.”