DETROIT – As the world prepares for the papal conclave, many are speculating about the potential for a historic moment: Could a Southwest Detroit native become the first American pope?
The name of Cardinal Joe Tobin, the Archbishop of Newark, is circulating on some lists.
In less than 24 hours, 133 cardinals will gather to elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
At Holy Redeemer, Cardinal Tobin felt a calling to the priesthood. Now, as the Archbishop of Newark, he is preparing to vote for the next pope.
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Longtime journalist Patricia Montemurri, who has covered Tobin extensively, describes him as humble.
What would it mean to have Cardinal Tobin possibly be the next leader of the Catholic Church?
“I’m speechless at the prospect of it, really,” Montemurri said. “It would be so unusual.”
Montemurri emphasizes the historical significance of Tobin’s potential selection.
“It would be so historical that not just Catholics in the Detroit area but people throughout Michigan would feel the impact,” she said.
Recently, Local 4 spoke to the cardinal’s family about the buzz surrounding the possibility.
“He does a great job. He’s extremely humble and he’s there to serve the people,” said Jim Tobin, a brother. “That’s the way he’s always been since he was an altar boy at Holy Redeemer.”
While the idea of an American pope has often seemed unlikely, Montemurri believes Cardinal Tobin may be different. His experience as a multilingual missionary and his knowledge of the Vatican’s inner workings make him a standout candidate. Additionally, his travels have allowed him to meet priests worldwide and be mentored by the late pontiff.
“He was an ally of Pope Francis,” Montemurri notes. “He cared about all the things Pope Francis emphasized.”
