11-05-2025
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.
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