Bishop Gregory Parkes on the Election of the First American Pope, Leo XIV

Election of Pope Leo XIV

• ⛪ The Bishop of St. Petersburg, Gregory Parkes, celebrated a mass to give thanks for the election of Pope Leo XIV.
• 😮 Parkes expressed surprise at the speed of the papal selection and the fact that the new pope is American.

Concerns About an American Pope

• 🌎 Parkes acknowledged potential concerns from cardinals worldwide about a pope from a world superpower like the United States.
• ✅ He believes these concerns are unfounded, describing Pope Leo XIV as a very good and holy man.

Background of Pope Leo XIV

• 📍 Pope Leo XIV is from Chicago and belongs to the Augustinian order.
• 🇵🇪 He spent much of his priesthood and episcopate in Peru, a missionary territory.
• 🇻🇦 Most recently, he worked at the Vatican in the Dicastery for Bishops, the department that assists the pope in selecting bishops globally.

Guidance for the Faithful

• ✨ Parkes believes the Holy Spirit guided the College of Cardinals in their choice of Pope Leo XIV.
• 👂 He encourages the faithful to be open, to listen to the Pope's words, and to observe his actions.
• 🧭 The coming days, weeks, and years will reveal Pope Leo XIV's vision for the Church and its future direction.

Personal Reaction to the News

• 💨 Parkes was on the Selman Expressway when he heard the news of the white smoke and the election of a new pope on the radio.
• 😭 He was filled with joy and emotion, shedding tears at the special and significant moment for the Church.

Papal Direction and Ideology

• 🔮 It is too early to determine the theological direction Pope Leo XIV will take the Church.
• 🏛️ The terms 'conservative' or 'liberal' are more associated with politics than the Church, which is described as 'ever ancient, ever new', allowing for new possibilities.