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News Brief

May 19, 2025

Many are surprised with the election of Pope Leo the 14th

Domenico Stinellis/AP

Photo credits to: Domenico Stinellis/AP

Like many American Catholics, the religious at Conception Abbey were surprised with the election of Pope Leo the 14th. Abbot Benedict Neenan says Pope Leo hadn't been mentioned as one of the men who had been expected to be elected and didn't know much about him before the election.

"His comments since his election has shown that he really does follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis but also has ideas of his own.", says Benedict. 

The Abbot adds it was surprising that an American was elected Pope but he believes when Pope Leo was presented as the new Pope, he indicated he would be a Pope for the world and not for a portion of the world.

"I think he was trying to make the point that he is not in that role because he is an American. I think that as Americans though we are proud that he comes from our country, how could we not be? I don't think it's a nationalistic thing and it should'nt be, the Pope is for the whole world."

Abbot Benedict Neenan adds the first word Pope Leo the 14th used as Pope was "Peace." He believe the Pope might be able to help bring peace to troubled parts of the world.