MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Pope Leo the 14th, the first American pope, has captivated the world. Here in the U.P., it’s no different. We sat down with Bishop John Doerfler for a more local perspective on the new leader of the catholic church
Pope Leo, the 14th is a product of the Midwest, but the Chicago born pontiff has lived a life with a global view. Bishop Doerfler, the leader of the Marquette Diocese, believes it’s exciting to have a home grown pontiff, but doesn’t believe his birthplace really matters in his role as Pope.
“I don’t think it makes a whole lot of difference where a pope is from, because he is really the spiritual father of everyone throughout the world,” said Doerfler.
The Illinois native is said to be very much like his predecessor, Pope Francis, in his progressive views on climate change and the treatment of immigrants. Closer to home, the 65,000 parishioners of the Diocese of Marquette have been asked to pray for the new pope and listen to his teachings.
“I think it’s important for us to pray for the new pope and listen to the message that he gave us when he was first announced,” said Doerfler.
Bishop Doerfler doesn’t know too much about the new pontiff, but sees Pope Leo’s background as a missionary being key to his global perspective.
“I do know that he served some time in Peru and has a broad perspective on the church in general, having served internationally,” said Bishop Doerfler.
Parishioners attending Friday’s evening mass at St Peter’s Cathedral in Marquette are hopeful for unity within the church, and at a relatively young age of 69 Pope Leo will hopefully attract more young people to Catholicism.
“There is a new evangelization, and they believe Pope Leo is going to be on the leading edge of that, just really getting our young people back to the mass, back to the sacraments,” said Parishioner Ben Oberbroeckling.
