Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
- Bishop Oscar Solis expressed joy and pledged loyalty to new Pope Leo XIV, encouraging Utahns to pray for the new pope.
- Cardinal Robert Prevost became the first American pontiff on Thursday, taking the name Leo XIV.
- The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said it looks forward to working with the pope to bless God's children.
SALT LAKE CITY — Bishop Oscar Solis, of the Salt Lake City diocese, pledged his loyalty to the new pope at the Cathedral of the Madeleine Thursday morning, expressing gratitude and joy.
"I ask the people of God, of the local church of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, together with all of the brothers and sisters in this state to join us in our prayers for our new pope as you extended prayers during our time of sadness in the death of Pope Francis," he said.
He asked for prayers as the new pope, Leo XIV, leads the church into an age of technological acceleration and brings hope and mercy to the poor and marginalized and the love of God to all people.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old from Chicago, became the first American pontiff on Thursday evening in Rome, and took the name Leo XIV.
Bishop Solis said having a pope from America teaches about the "universality of God's love."
"The Holy Spirit continues to surprise and bless his church," he said.
A statement from Solis said the decision is a manifestation of unity among the church's cardinals, and he thanked them for their service.
"For us as Catholics, this is another surprise blessing from God – an awesome, spiritual moment of deep gratitude and great joy for us and for the world," he said in the statement.
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extended prayers and greetings to the new pope on behalf of leaders and members of the church.
"This significant moment in time for the Catholic Church is a reminder of the enduring importance of faith to people everywhere," the statement said.
Members of the First Presidency said they look forward to working together to bless God's children as fellow followers of Christ.
"May we strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ to care for the poor and needy, become peacemakers and create a world where faith and goodness can flourish," the statement said.
Father Martin Diaz, rector of the Salt Lake Diocese, said on KSL NewsRadio Thursday that when he saw the white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signifying a pope had been elected, he began to cry with joy. He said Leo XIII focused on social justice, and so, the name Leo XIV leads him to think the new pope will focus on helping people on the periphery of society.
"The sadness of Pope Francis dying has been overcome with the joy of a new leader, a new pope. For the church and for the world … a sign of God's living presence all over the world," he said.
Catholic Community Services of Utah celebrated the election in a social media post.
"As our new pope assumes the mantle of Saint Peter, we hold him in our prayers, that he may be endowed with wisdom and compassion and motivated in his words and deeds by charity for all," the organization said.
The Carmelite Nuns of Salt Lake City released a statement assuring the new pope of their "love and unceasing prayer for him."
Mitt Romney, former United States Senator representing Utah, said the world was blessed by Pope Francis' example.
"May Pope Leo XIV likewise draw upon the best of humankind and lead toward the Savior, Jesus Christ," he said.
