CHICAGO (WLS) — When a new pope is elected, it is not only a significant event for the Catholic Church and its followers but also captures the attention of leaders from other faiths.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Some of Chicago’s faith leaders are hopeful that Pope Leo XIV will continue the legacy of Pope Francis.
“I think this is a great choice, and I believe he has a good understanding of immigrant issues and marginalized communities,” expressed Reverend Robin Hood of Redeemed Outreach Ministries.
Although a world away from Rome, the West Side activist said the interconnectivity of faith binds everyone; regardless of how we worship.
Reverend Hood and others have high hopes that the new pope will embody the title of the “people’s pope” and tackle the pressing matters of the church in the modern world.
“I think that most times we look at the Catholic Church and look at the pope as being a politician without politics,” Pastor Floyd James of Greater Rock Baptist Church said. “I think that’s going to carry over and that will look beyond the political side and say this is a religious leader.”
Well-known faith leader, Father Michael Pfleger said he believes Pope Leo XIV as a protégé of Pope Francis. Adding that he is uniquely positioned to navigate the complexities of an increasingly polarized and divided world.
“The world is saying this is what they’re looking for,” Father Pfleger said. “I think this guy brings it forward…. He’s going to be a centrist.”
While there’s some concern, the Catholic Church could move toward a more traditional stance, some community faith leaders said ultimately it comes down to ministering to the people’s needs.
“It’s really not about black or white, it’s about humanity,” Rev. Paul Jakes, the president of Christian Council on Urban Affairs said.
READ ALSO | Reactions pour in to Pope Leo XIV being named 1st American pope
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
