Less than 24 hours after Catholics worldwide heard “Habemus Papam!” (We have a Pope!) proclaimed from the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, faithful in the Diocese of Allentown gathered on a rainy Friday morning to offer prayers of joy and gratitude for the new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.
Bishop Schlert celebrated a Daily Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown on Friday, May 9, at 8 a.m. Yellow and white bunting draped across the Cathedral doors, a proud and joyful display of Vatican colors in celebration of Pope Leo. The responsorial psalm for the day, “Go out to all the world and tell the good news,” aptly set the tone for the Mass.
In his homily, Bishop Schlert reflected on his experience watching the Vatican’s livestream of the papal announcement.
“I was reminded of noted author James Joyce, who once described the Catholic Church with these words: ‘here comes everybody!” Bishop shared. “People flocked to St. Peter’s Square. There were so many young people, and they were exuberant, not because they knew anything about Cardinal Robert Prevost, but because they had a new Holy Father.”
“This is a testament to our faith,” Bishop continued. “A faith that goes back to Jesus Christ and the time of the Apostles.”
Bishop invited all present to join him in praying for the Holy Father, who has so much work ahead of him in today’s world. He quoted Pope Leo’s opening words, “Peace be with you,” and pointed out how indicative they are of this world’s needs.
At a time when Catholics across the globe are scrambling to learn more about Pope Leo XIV and predict what his pontificate will be like, Bishop gave his Diocese an important reminder.
“I say, let the Holy Spirit work!” he announced. “I am convinced that there is a grace that comes with the Office of being a Holy Father. So, let’s allow the Holy Spirit to work, and we will see how Pope Leo is led to teach us, be a man of communion and humility, and confirm us in our faith.”
After the Mass, Katie Albright, Diocesan Director of Catechesis, echoed Bishop’s remarks.
“I think what Bishop said was really important. We need to wait and see and receive in trust. This man has entered a new office. There’s going to be new graces, new challenges, and new joys—hopefully.”
One Mass attendee and her daughter shared their experience of learning about the first ever American Pope.
“I was awestruck,” she shared.
“We were blowing up the family group chat,” the daughter added. “My brothers are in the military, so our family is all over the country, but we were watching and reacting together. We just couldn’t believe it.”
“My hope for Pope Leo is that he makes the Catholic Church huge,” the mother continued. “I hope he brings many Catholics back, and that he brings new Catholics in. A worldwide Pope—for Catholics.”
“We’re praying for him,” the daughter concluded.
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