09-05-2025
‘Remarkable breadth of experience': WNY Monsignor reacts to new pope
LACKAWANNA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Thursday marked a historic moment for the Catholic Church as Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago became Pope Leo XIV, the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, and the first American to hold the papacy.
At the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, a local faith leader reflected on what this moment means for Western New York.
'The church always rejoices when we have a new pope, and to elect someone with his caliber of experience is a cause for rejoicing for the whole church,' said the Reverend Monsignor Paul Burkard, former pastor of the basilica.
Pope Leo XIV, a member of the Augustinian order, began his studies at the minor seminary of the Augustinian Fathers before earning a degree in mathematics from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. He later completed his theological training at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
Burkard noted the new pope's wide-ranging experience, having served as a priest and bishop in South America, North America and Europe.
'He brings a remarkable breadth of experience,' Burkard said. 'I think he's going to be a great asset to the church and a powerful voice for all of us.'
Pope Leo is expected to carry forward many of the values championed by his predecessor, Pope Francis, including a focus on social justice and a commitment to the marginalized.
'He'll be his own man, but he has shown himself to be in the same mind as Pope Francis,' Burkard said. 'I think he really agreed with where Pope Francis was taking the church.'
The choice of the name Leo is believed to be a nod to Pope Leo XIII, the late 19th-century pontiff known as the 'Pope of Social Justice' for his strong advocacy for workers and the poor during the Industrial Revolution, a legacy many believe Pope Leo XIV will continue.
Gwyn Napier is a reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2025. See more of her work by clicking here.
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