Latest news with #FatherLenPlazewski
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Catholic Churches across Tampa honor Pope Leo during first Sunday masses since election
The Brief Catholic Churches across Tampa honored Pope Leo during the first Sunday masses since the election. At Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa, it was even visible outside, in the form of decorations on the doors to represent the Vatican. An official inauguration mass for Pope Leo will be held in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, May 18. TAMPA - As Pope Leo XIV gave his first Sunday blessing to a crowd in St Peter's Square at the Vatican, parishes around the globe and across the Tampa Bay area honored the beginning of his papal ministry in their services as well. At Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa, it was even visible outside; in the form of decorations on the doors to represent the Vatican or 'Papal Fun Facts" hanging up in the hallways. What they're saying "We want to celebrate this important moment," stressed Father Len Plazewski. "In my homily, I try to weave together the fact that it's Mother's Day and we also have a Holy Father as well, as well as the Gospel, which is about the Good Shepherd and Jesus being our Good Shepherd, and that this is our new shepherd here, so we want to pray for him." Father Plazewski told FOX 13 he will certainly remember where he was and what he was doing, when the world got word of white smoke. "I was coming on a plane back from Louisville," Father Len laughed. "So I was in the air when the white smoke came and then I was able to land and get to the school in time for the big announcement and the coming out of the balcony and everything." READ: Nations largest single-day food drive returns to Tampa Bay for 33rd year He said that's also been a very special part of this week; seeing reaction through the eyes of young students at Christ the King Catholic School and even having a little fun in the process. "One of the things were, if we guessed his Papal name that he chose, we get ice cream at the end of the week," said student Gianna Gevvia. "We had about 40 kids guess Pope Leo, I didn't even guess it right," Father Len laughed. "But I think it's important for them to see and witness this moment in history, this will probably be a couple decades before we get another pope, and so it's going to make an impression on them. I also think the new pope being American and younger and being active on social media, I think, it makes all those connections." What's next An official inauguration mass for Pope Leo will be held in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, May 18. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Regina Gonzalez. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tampa Catholics celebrate first Sunday mass under new Pope
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The world was watching as the Catholic Church welcomed a new pope, Pope Leo XIV. On Mother's Day, Catholics celebrated Sunday mass for the first time under the new pontiff. Yellow ribbons adorned all the doorways at Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa, signaling a new, rejoiceful era. 'Like any family, you need a father. And now we have a new father, and there's an excitement to get to know him,' said Father Len Plazewski. That same palpable buzz resonated with many Catholics. 'He's the first American pope, which is very exciting,' said Gianna Gebbia. With that excitement, Father Len notes there's also an uncharted responsibility for the American Pope Leo. 'That perspective of growing up in the United States, the things that we take for granted that maybe other people don't realize, and I think that's something that will definitely impact him and how he's approaches his position, now head of the church,' said Father Len. With the 69-year-old Chicago native being as socially active and aware as he is, Father Len believes this is the dawn of a new beginning in bridging the gap where the church may have struggled before. In a way, only the pontiff, as Father Len explains literally means bridge-builder, can. 'Media goes so quickly today, and being able to communicate the message in a timely way, in a way that people will respond, a repost, and so forth, I think that's so key,' said Father Len. Catholics and the world are now watching closely as this American pope embarks on his new journey. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
