New Pope Sparks Hope in Community

328 2 minutes read

By Ericka Sanborn

The selection of Pope Leo XIV, the former Father Robert Prevost, as the first American pope came as a pleasant surprise to many Catholic residents of Sanford and Springvale. We asked a few about their reactions and their hopes for the new pontiff.

My hope for Pope Leo XIV is that he can bring unity, with a strong and guiding hand by the Holy Spirit. – Joanne Cusack, administrative assistant, St. Thomas School
I am excited to have an American pope, and I think it will be nice to hear the message of God in English. I pray that his voice reaches many ears that have been asleep to the words and ways of Christ in the past. – Ashley Buxton, director of parish mission, St. Therese of Lisieux Parish
His invocation of Pope Leo XIII’s legacy, particularly the social teachings of Rerum Novarum, resonates with my appreciation for the church’s role in guiding societal ethics. I pray and hope Pope Leo XIV uses Rerum Novarum to guide the Church once again with a balanced approach between tradition and modern engagement. – Horace Mello, middle school teacher, St. Thomas School
I pray that Pope Leo XIV unites Catholics across the world, focusing on the love that Jesus exemplified for us in his life and prescribed for us with his covenant. I pray that Pope Leo XIV uses discernment, wisdom, and intentionality in each step for the church’s continued growth, bringing more followers to Christ. – Angela Madigan, principal, St. Thomas School
I hope Pope Leo comes to visit the different dioceses and Catholic schools here in the US. — Jacob Forest, Grade 8, St. Thomas School
My hopes for the new pope are that he strengthens the Catholic Church and brings more people to Christianity. — Abigail Forest, Grade 7, St. Thomas School
I hope the pope will trust in our loving Lord with all his heart and lead in a way that represents God. — Luke Michaud, Grade 7, St. Thomas School
I hope for a congenial leader who extends an open-hearted invitation for all to join him in his vision for global peace. – Lorraine Masure, community member
Our church has been gifted an intellectual human endowed with a missionary spirit, a
figure of unity and charity.” – Claire Auger, retired teacher and Historical Society board member
“Ah, Bravo! Il est jeune et beau bonhomme.” (He is a young and handsome man.) –

Josée Vachon, French-Canadian folksinger/songwriter who appeared in Sanford on May 11, quoting her 90-year-old mother

We’re hoping the Holy Father will shine a light on the poor. — David Murphy, active church member
We couldn’t be happier – we’re off the charts.” Lynda Murphy, parishioner
All my life, I had heard that there would never be a pope from America. I never knew the reasons why, but I’m happy and surprised to see that such history has been made. — Shawn Sullivan, journalist and churchgoer