09-05-2025
‘Uniquely qualified:' Hartford Archbishop on Pope Leo XIV
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Archbishop Christopher Coyne of the Archdiocese of Hartford reacted to the election of American-born Robert Francis Prevost as pope.
Connecticut church leaders, lawmakers react to election of new pope
As pontiff, Prevost has selected the name Leo XIV, a name that harkens to some of the Church's most storied leaders including Pope Leo I, known as 'Leo the Great,' and Pope Leo XIII, who was known for his articulation of the church's social teachings as the global economy industrialized in the late 19th century.
Coyne noted the historical significance of the new pontiff's choice of name and also anticipated that Leo XIV would embody a 'continuity' of leadership that has run through the popes of the modern era, including Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.
He also described Leo XIV, who was born in the Chicago area and spent two decades ministering in Peru, as a 'bridge' between the northern and southern hemispheres.
'In Pope Leo, we have a man who is uniquely qualified for the office,' Coyne said.
Coyne also weighed in on speculation as to the direction of the Church following the reign of Pope Francis, who was seen as a change agent who sometimes found himself at odds with more conservative Catholics.
'If you're asking me if the Pope will depart from the tradition of the Chruch's dogma and doctrine and it's creeds and it's faith — no,' Coyne said.
But, Coyne added, there may be areas where, like Francis before him, Leo XIV might interpret certain 'pastoral situations and realities' in new ways.
'Hold fast to the deposit of faith,' Coyne said. 'But also do so in a way that's merciful, loving, and salvific.'
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