Local Catholics Share Connections to New Pope
As the Church rejoices and learns more about Pope Leo XIV, a man born and raised in the Chicago area and who spent 20 years of his life serving as a missionary priest in Peru, members of the diocese are finding connections.
As the Church rejoices and learns more about Pope Leo XIV, a man born and raised in the Chicago area and who spent 20 years of his life serving as a missionary priest in Peru, members of the diocese are finding connections.
Some have shared they knew him when he was a priest or bishop. Others feel they relate through a commonly experienced culture. Below are a few of their stories.
Local Peruvian Community Shares Excitement for Pope Leo XIV
“Pope Leo XIV spent many years as a priest in remote areas as a missionary and later as bishop in Peru. To be ordained as bishop in our countries you must be either a native or acquiring the national citizenship– what then Fr. Prevost did,” shared Deacon Jose Moronta, currently serving at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Tampa and originally from Venezuela. “He even became vice president of the Peruvian Bishop’s Conference. I remember several cases of foreign priests who became bishops in Latin American countries, but I haven’t heard until now of a US born bishop. For me, this is a sign of his openness to explore and live in a completely different environment and culture.”
The Peruvian community both in the Tampa Bay area as well as those living in Peru are overjoyed at this new election. “My brothers and sisters of Peru are in a state of extreme joy, as well as we US citizens rejoice to have a Bishop of Rome coming from ‘our neighborhood,’” added Deacon Moronta.
Elizabeth Diaz, President of the Board of the Brotherhood of the Lord of the Miracles at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church echoes the excitement. She is of Peruvian descent and still spends time in Peru each year.
“To know that the Holy Father has walked our streets, prayed in our churches, and shared life with our people brings a sense of closeness and understanding that is truly moving,” she explained. “For the Peruvian community, Pope Leo XIV is not only the Holy Father– he is a father who knows us, has walked with us, and carries our stories, songs, and prayers in his heart.”
Local Deacon Studied at Villanova with the Pope
Deacon Joe Zucchero, Deacon at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Clearwater, studied at Villanova University at the same time as the pope. They were one year apart but were both mathematics majors and knew each other.
Local Priest Taught by the Pope
Father Amaro Ortiz, Parochial Vicar at St. Catherine of Siena in Clearwater, attended seminary in his home country of Peru. During his time studying, then Father Prevost taught canon law and was one of his professors.
Local Priest in Rome for Papal Election
Monsignor Robert Morris, Pastor at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Clearwater, had a close-up view to the events unfolding at the Vatican during the conclave and election. He happened to be on a pre-planned pilgrimage at the exact same time.
Local News Stations Share Testimonies and Thoughts About the Papal Election
(Spanish) Telemundo 49: Elizabeth Diaz as well as Deacon Jose Moronta from St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church were interviewed about their thoughts on the papal election.
Tampa Bay Times: Local lay Catholics and clergy members shared their thoughts and reflections on the new Pope Leo XIV.
Read the article here: https://www.tampabay.com/news/nation-world/2025/05/08/tampa-bay-catholics-react-pope-leo-xiv-with-joy-reflection/
Fox 13: Local Catholics, including Father Len Plazewski, Pastor of Christ the King parish in Tampa, share how they are celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV.
Read the article and watch the interview here: https://www.fox13news.com/news/catholic-churches-across-tampa-honor-pope-leo-during-first-sunday-masses-since-election
10 Tampa Bay: Students at Jesuit High School share their excitement and surprise at the election of Pope Leo XIV.
Read the article and watch the interview here: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/regional/florida/catholics-tampa-bay-celebrate-election-first-american-pope/67-7a22f076-6424-44b8-b999-3e15c8fe6b5e
For those seeking to learn more about our new pope, the Gulfcoast Catholic online and Catholic News Agency will continue to bring news and stories. Please visit www.gulfcoastcatholic.org and www.catholicnewsagency.com.
