photo via X, formerly Twitter, @BishopMiehm
Thursday’s historic naming of the first American pope caught many by surprise, the head of Peterborough’s Roman Catholic archdiocese among them.
Bishop Daniel Miehm admits Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost, who was elected on the second day of the conclave, wasn’t on his radar. Taking the name of Pope Leo IV, Prevost received at least 89 of 133 votes to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away April 21st.
Bishop Miehm says he was also surprised by the swiftness of the election.
Bishop Miehm says what we do know about the new Pontiff provides some clues as to what tone and direction he will set.
Not lost on Bishop Miehm is the significance of the excitement around the pope’s election, which drew thousands to St. Peter’s Square and was watched by millions of all faiths around the globe.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)
