DETROIT – Detroit Catholics erupted in joy Thursday as Cardinal Robert Prevost became the first American elected pope, choosing the name Leo XIV. The pontiff’s Michigan connections made the historic moment even more special.
“We were really excited and proud,” said Mary Beth Weichbrodt, a volunteer at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. “When he was announced as an American, it was incredible. There’s never been an American Pope.”
The 69-year-old Chicago native, who attended St. Augustine Seminary High School in Holland, Michigan, was elected on the second day of the papal conclave at the Vatican.
His selection marks a watershed moment for the American Catholic Church.
Detroit‘s Archbishop Edward Weisenburger learned of the historic news shortly after landing at Detroit Metro Airport.
“I was held back by my seat belt from doing my Snoopy dance right there in the aisle of the plane,” Weisenburger said. “I never in my lifetime thought that there would be an American Pope.”
The selection of an American pontiff represents a significant shift in church history.
“For a long time, the concern was geopolitics,” Weisenburger said. “Certain countries and nations would fear that the United States has sort of taken over now the papacy of the Catholic Church.”
Father J.J. Mech of the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s missionary background as particularly significant.
“What I love about him being a missionary is that you don’t go and impose things when you’re on a mission,” Mech said. “You learn from the people and they teach you, and then you form each other.”
Weisenburger described the new pontiff as a theological moderate.
“I love moderates. I find working out of the heart of the church and avoiding these two extremes that sometimes suck all the air out of the room.”
Local Catholics see Pope Leo XIV’s American background as potentially transformative for the church.
“It means a whole lot, because he knows what’s going on in our country, and our country is divided,” Weichbrodt said.
“Our church has a lot of different ideas about things. And here’s somebody that has experience with both.”
Christine Jiddou, a local Catholic, expressed optimism about the impact on American Catholicism.
“I’m thrilled, because I think this will be a resurgence for America and the faith of America,” said Jiddou.
As Detroit Catholics celebrate this historic moment, Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament staff member Canary Erving acknowledged the challenges ahead.
“Everybody’s not going to like what he has to say, but as long as he stays strong and stays in the Lord, he will be OK,” said Erving.
The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament is hosting a Thanksgiving Mass on Saturday at 5 p.m. to honor Pope Leo XIV.
