The Mass on May 8, 2025, was celebrated at St. Petersburg Catholic High School, located next to the Pastoral Center, the headquarters of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.

“This is truly a historic day for the Catholic Church, for the world, and for our country, as the Cardinals have chosen an American to be the successor of Peter to lead the Catholic Church,” Bishop Parkes shared during his homily.

Bishop Parkes admitted he had never met the former Cardinal Robert Prevost, and he still had much to learn about the new pontiff.

“In the coming days, weeks, months, and years, we will learn from him, learn about the vision that he has for our Church, and where he feels that the Holy Spirit is calling him to lead the Church as we go forward,” said Bishop Parkes.

He spoke about the transition we have all experienced since April 21, when Pope Francis succumbed to his health challenges. 

“The past couple of weeks since Pope Francis passed away, have been a period of mourning, a period of giving thanks for his life and for his ministry, and, of course, a period of prayer for the next Holy Father. Well, our prayers have been answered in Pope Leo the XIV” added Bishop Parkes.

Bishop Parkes also made a request to the Mass participants that included diocesan leaders, students, and teachers.

“Pray for Pope Leo XIV, support him, and love him. Embrace him however you can. And give thanks to God for the gift of our new pope,” Bishop Parkes said.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Parkes met with reporters from ABC Action News, Newschannel 8, Bay News 9, 10 Tampa Bay, and Fox 13 to share his thoughts about the new pope.