Latest news with #Weisenburger
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Detroit Catholics praise first American pope, who studied in Michigan
Catholics in metro Detroit are praising the first American to be pope, who once lived in Michigan, saying he will continue Pope Francis' legacy of caring for marginalized communities. Some also hope he will improve the Vatican's record of handling sexual abuse, expressing concern about how he handled some cases in the past. Born in Chicago as Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV attended in the 1970s a Catholic high school in west Michigan, the now-closed St. Augustine Catholic Seminary, a boarding school in Laketown Township for boys in grades 9-12, according to the Vatican. Before being selected by his fellow cardinals during a conclave this week, he served for decades in Peru as a missionary. Close to Pope Francis, he rose through the ranks in the Vatican, becoming a cardinal-bishop in February, assigned to a diocese in Rome, Italy. Catholic cardinals voted on May 8 to select Prevost during an assembly known as a conclave at the Vatican. "I'm delighted," Michael Hovey, a senior instructor at the University of Detroit-Mercy who teaches religion and is the former coordinator for ecumenical and interfaith relations for the Archdiocese of Detroit, told the Free Press shortly after the announcement. "I think we're going to see great things out of him." Like Pope Leo XIV, Hovey was also a missionary in Peru for a year and a half, and so feels a connection to the new pope. He's also excited about the name he chose, Leo. The last pope with that name, Pope Leo XIII, was a supporter of workers' rights. "I'm especially happy with the name he's chosen, Leo the 14th, because Leo the 13th is the pope who started what we now call Catholic social teaching," Hovey said. "Leo the 13th wrote an encyclical on the rights of workers, critiquing some of the excesses of capitalism, and talked about the need for things that we now take for granted, like good working conditions and time off, vacation and sick days." Archbishop of Detroit Edward Weisenburger also praised the new head of the Catholic Church, holding a news conference on the afternoon of May 8 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit, the seat of the archdiocese. Weisenburger, who was installed as archbishop in March, said he was pleasantly surprised an American was chosen. "Pope Leo XIV's election leaves me exceptionally joyful," Weisenburger said in a statement from the archdiocese. "And I must humbly acknowledge that I did not anticipate a United States citizen would be elected Pope." For decades, it was seen as taboo to have an American pope, given the power of the U.S. and fears it would take over the church. Weisenburger noted the new pope's history in South America and his close ties to Pope Francis, who appointed Weisenburger in February to lead the Detroit archdiocese. Both Weisenburger and Pope Leo XIV speak Spanish as Latinos make up an increasing part of the Catholic Church's membership. "His lifetime of ministry includes many years of ministry as a bishop in Peru, giving him a thorough understanding of South America," Weisenburger said. "Moreover, his close association with Pope Francis, history of charitable efforts for the poor and marginalized, extensive prior experience in the Vatican, and personal humility are all qualities that perhaps focused the light of Christ upon him for his brother Cardinals to see." The Detroit archbishop called upon Catholics to "pray for Pope Leo XIV as he now begins his sacred ministry as the successor of Saint Peter, the Vicar of Christ on Earth." Paul Long — the CEO and president of the Michigan Catholic Conference, the voice of the Catholic Church in the state on public policy — echoed the views of the archbishop. 'The cardinals' election of Pope Leo XIV is a source of joy and excitement for Catholics and indeed all people of goodwill in Michigan and across the globe," Long said. "The world holds great interest in the leadership of the Catholic Church and the pope's teaching on faith and morality, his approach to geopolitical realities, and the burning need for peace in our world." Long said Catholic leaders in Michigan hope Pope Leo XIV "continues to build bridges, foster dialogue, and uphold the dignity and worth of every human life." The Michigan Catholic Conference and Weisenburger have both emphasized this year the importance of respecting immigrants, an issue that Pope Leo XIV has also stressed on his Twitter feed. In several posts on X, previously known as Twitter, the new pope appeared to criticize Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, for his conservative views on immigration. Vance had said Catholic doctrine known as "ordo amoris" means we should not care as much for groups such as migrants as we do for fellow Americans and our families. Catholic leaders said Vance misinterprets church teachings. "JD Vance is wrong," read a tweet posted by Pope Leo XIV in February. "Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others." Pope Leo XIV also has liberal views on environmental issues, agreeing with Pope Francis on the threats posed by climate change. While Catholics believe in 'dominion over nature," humans should not become 'tyrannical" over it and instead have a 'relationship of reciprocity' with the environment, he said, the Vatican News reported in 2024. While the new pope was praised by many, he also has his critics who say he has a weak history of fighting sexual abuse in the church and is too right-wing on LGBTQ+ issues. In 2012, he criticized what he called the 'homosexual lifestyle' and 'alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children," the New York Times reported on May 2. Over the past week, there were some reports questioning whether Prevost should be named pope given his past record on dealing with sexual abuse allegations. The Will County Gazette, a newspaper in suburban Chicago in Illinois, ran a report on May 2 on an activist and abuse survivor who said Prevost should not become pope because of how he allegedly mishandled abuse committed by a priest. The headline quoted the activist, reading in part: "If he saw and stayed silent — he's not a good priest." 'With Prevost, we definitely do not want to enter into another situation where there is a cardinal that becomes pope that has bad things in their closet,' Eduardo Lopez de Casas, a clergy abuse survivor and national vice president of the Chicago-based Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), told the Illinois newspaper. 'Survivors worldwide ... should not have to watch men responsible for cover-ups climb to the top of the Catholic Church.' The Pillar, a conservative Catholic media outlet, also raised concerns about Prevost, mentioning some abuse cases in Peru. Janet Smith, a retired professor of moral theology formerly at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, said that Pope Leo XIV has an opportunity to assuage those who are concerned about his record by making it clear has a zero tolerance on abuse. Smith cited the case of a priest from Slovenia accused of assaulting women, Marko Rupnik. Rupnik had been excommunicated, but that excommunication was lifted by Pope Francis in 2022, outraging advocates for abuse victims. Some of his artwork is featured in the Vatican. His supporters deny the allegations against him. More: 'Pope Trump' jokes spark outrage and late-night gags as cardinals gather in Rome "One of the first things that Leo the 14th could do that would signal that he, in fact, is going to exercise the zero tolerance that the Vatican keeps talking about in respect to sex abusers, is that he will lay aside and refuse to have any of his art ever used again in the Vatican, and actually to apologize for ever having used it, especially after they knew the accusations against him," Smith said. Pope Leo XIV should also reverse the decision that Pope Francis made to lift his excommunication, she said. Overall, Pope Leo XIV is "an unknown quantity" and it remains to be seen how he will lead the church, said Smith, who is sympathetic to the views of conservative and traditional Catholics. Smith said she hopes he will be more open to the traditional Latin Mass, which Pope Francis cracked down on. Weisenburger recently announced that the traditional Latin Mass will end at parish churches in the Detroit archdiocese by July. The fact that Pope Leo XIV was often promoted by Pope Francis "suggests he probably is in line of Pope Francis," but she added that "there are some signs to the contrary." More: Michigan native will help choose the next pope. What to know as papal conclave begins Traditional Catholics are "holding on to as signs of hope, that he bore the traditional garb, that he chose a name that could be associated with conservative pontiffs, so he's a mix, not yet a completely known quantity. I'm trying to remain hopeful." A special Mass for Pope Leo XIV may be planned for later at the cathedral, said Holly Fournier, a spokesperson for the archdiocese. The Holland Sentinel and Reuters contributed to this report. Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@ or X @nwarikoo This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Catholics in Detroit praise Pope Leo XIV, who studied in Michigan
CBS News
21-04-2025
- General
- CBS News
Watch Live: Detroit Archbishop Weisenburger holding Mass of Suffrage for Pope Francis
Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger will hold a Mass of Suffrage on Monday following the death of Pope Francis. CBS News Detroit is live streaming the mass beginning at 7 p.m. The mass will be held at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. The pope, who worked to change the perception of the Catholic Church, died at age 88, hours after greeting the thousands of faithful on Easter Sunday at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Following his death, Weisenburger and several Detroit-area parishioners honored the pope . "My heart is heavy as our world has lost a powerful, prophetic, and loving voice. However, I also rejoice in what I pray will be a blessed reward of joy beyond all understanding for a truly great and loving Universal Shepherd," Weisenburger said in a statement on Monday . Weisenburger was installed last month as the new archbishop of Detroit. He recently served as bishop of the Diocese of Tucson, Arizona, the fifth-largest diocese in the continental U.S. The appointment followed the resignation and retirement of Allen Vigneron, who has served as Detroit's archbishop since 2009. The Archdiocese of Detroit is Michigan's largest Catholic diocese with more than 900,000 Catholics and 213 parishes in Lapeer, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Wayne counties.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘It was gorgeous': Archbishop Weisenburger leads his first Good Friday liturgy in Detroit
A heavy silence fell over the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Friday as Archbishop Edward Weisenburger and his ministers lay facedown before the bare altar — a gesture of humility and mourning during the solemn Good Friday liturgy. More than 100 parishioners bowed in stillness, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Installed just a month earlier, Weisenburger led his first Good Friday service as Detroit's new Catholic archbishop on April 18 at the historic Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Woodward Avenue, a liturgy filled with reverence and reflection. Father JJ Mech, rector of the cathedral, praised Weisenburger's leadership, calling him "an amazing speaker" who brings a new sense of hope. "He doesn't take anything lightly… he really puts himself into these ceremonies," Mech said. "With this being the holiest week of the year, and his first (in Detroit), all eyes are on him as our new shepherd." In his homily, Weisenburger reflected on the significance of Calvary, the hill outside Jerusalem where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, and a personal pilgrimage he made to the site. "To visit Calvary today is to encounter the place where history's greatest sacrifice was offered, where the Lamb of God was slaughtered, where the Prince of Peace stretched out his arms for the salvation of the world," Weisenburger told the crowd. "Today, in this beautiful cathedral church, we strive to do what pilgrims have done in Jerusalem for generations — we seek to connect with the mystery of the passion." The archbishop also described how standing before the site of the crucifixion evokes a profound realization. "As you approach that sacred spot, you're struck by something unexpected. You realize there's really only one way to touch Calvary — you have to go down on your knees," he said. "But then you discover, too, that there is only one way to move on, and that is by rising." The Good Friday liturgy, one of the most solemn observances in the Catholic calendar, includes scripture readings, the chanting of the passion narrative, the veneration of the cross and communion. More: New Detroit archbishop becomes head of archdiocese: I see 'Christ in you' For some attendees, the service stirred deep spiritual emotions. On her way out of the cathedral, Rosemary Shamoon, 65, of Birmingham, said she felt as if she had been transported to the Holy Land. 'I've never experienced this before,' she told the Free Press. 'You're just immersed in it. It gives you goosebumps.' Rosemary attended the service with her husband, Sam Shamoon, 64. The couple have visited the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament several times over the years, but never for Good Friday. 'I want to do it every year,' Rosemary said. "I've never heard the gospel prayed like that before in my life," Sam added. "It was gorgeous." Ronita Phillips, 50, of Southfield, said being around others who share her faith brings her joy and peace — feelings she carried with her as she left the Good Friday service. 'I always feel welcome here,' Phillips said. 'Because I serve God, I love to be in the atmosphere of other people that serve Him as well.' Anyone looking for Catholic Mass times or livestreamed services in the Archdiocese of Detroit can go to The website, run by the archdiocese, lists schedules and locations across the region. Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@ Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Archbishop Weisenburger leads his first Good Friday liturgy in Detroit
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New Detroit archbishop becomes head of archdiocese: I see 'Christ in you'
Holding a tall shepherd's staff in his left hand, Archbishop of Detroit Allen Vigneron stood in front of Bishop Edward Weisenburger in the sanctuary of the seat of the Catholic Church in Detroit. Weisenburger grasped the staff with his right hand and then sat down into a chair with a high back known as a cathedra. With that symoblic move, the 64-year-old priest became the new Catholic archbishop of Detroit as the crowd of nearly 900 people applauded inside the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the smell of incense in the air. The scene inside the house of worship on Woodward Avenue featured ceremonies that Catholics have held for centuries, filled with detailed rituals that symbolized the transfer of power and authority among the leaders of the largest religious group in metro Detroit. Weisenburger now leads more than 900,000 Catholics in a six-county region that has seen membership declines, but still has a committed faithful dedicated to ensuring the Church has a vital presence in Detroit. During his homily, Weisenburger spoke about the importance of love, describing the dialogue between Christ and Peter. "Jesus, three times, asked Peter, three times: 'Do you love me? Do you love me? Do you love me?' " Weisenburger said in his 20-minute remarks that described different translations of the word love, such as "agape" and "philos." "I find myself standing before you today and seeing Christ in you," he said. "I feel as though I owe you my response, no less than Peter. I, too, am a sinner with plenty of failings, foolish mistakes and errors in my history, no less than Peter ... my love for Jesus is probably still a little imperfect, but if we are to begin a new twist or turn in this journey of discipleship together, then I invite you to come along with me, and I will promise to come along with you." Weisenburger, who has been outspoken in support of immigrants during his time as bishop in southern Arizona, avoided political and social issues in his remarks, but suggested that love and compassion will be a central part of his mission in Michigan. "The great question: 'Do you love me?' " he said. "Perhaps the only question in the end that really matters, and the ... response in our lives will make all the difference. May the best of answers well up from within us with a powerful affirmative: Yes, Lord, you know that I love you and I will feed your sheep." New archbishop of Detroit: We have to 'see Christ' in immigrants The event included Catholic leaders from across Michigan and the U.S, as well as Protestant, Orthodox Christian, and Jewish leaders, including Rabbi Joseph Krakoff, the former religious leader at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, the largest Conservative synagogue in Michigan. Weisenburger greeted them as they walked onto the sanctuary, briefly conversing with them and others during the two-hour ceremony called the Mass of Installation. Two speakers gave brief remarks in Spanish. Weisenburger began his homily by praising Pope Francis, who selected him last month to lead the Detroit archdiocese and was hospitalized recently. "His prophetic and profoundly loving witness to Jesus Christ and his gospel inspires me daily," Weisenburger said of Pope Francis. "I have found that committed Catholics, people of other faiths and people of no faith, look at him and almost universally conclude he's the real thing. ... His personal witness of what a disciple can be, has moved the hearts and minds of millions around the world. I'm so delighted his health is improving, and I pray that his voice and witness will continue to bless our world for many years to come." Michael Hovey, the former coordinator for ecumenical and interfaith relations for the Detroit archdiocese, was moved by Weisenburger's remarks. "He brought tears to my eyes," Hovey told the Free Press after the Mass. "It was so profound, and yet he said it so simply. He said it in words that we can understand. I think he's going to be really wonderful for the diocese." Vigneron, 76, who received sustained applause when Weisenburger praised his work, now has the title of archbishop emeritus and will live at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. Vigneron "was a good person to work with, but he's very different," Hovey said. "He's an academic. It's very intellectual, and that's fine. There are gifts with that. But I think our new Archbishop is going to have such an open heart that it's going to be wonderful for people. I think people are going to fall in love with him." Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@ or X @nwarikoo. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Edward Weisenburger, new archbishop of Detroit, assumes power in Mass
CBS News
18-03-2025
- General
- CBS News
Watch Live: Mass of Installation for new Detroit archbishop Edward Weisenberger
Edward J. Weisenburger will be installed as the sixth archbishop of Detroit on Tuesday during a Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. CBS News Detroit is streaming the Mass at 2 p.m. —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— In February, Pope Francis made the appointment of Weisenburger, who most recently served as bishop of the Diocese of Tucson, Arizona, the fifth largest diocese in the continental U.S. The appointment follows the resignation and retirement of Allen Vigneron, who has served as Detroit's archbishop since 2009. Vigneron, 76, submitted his resignation as required by church law when he turned 75 on Oct. 21, 2023. Weisenberger, 64, was born in Illinois and grew up in Oklahoma. He was ordained as a priest in 1987 and appointed bishop of Salina, Kansas in 2012. He was then appointed bishop of Tucson in 2017. "I would hope people would know I plan to give it my absolute all," said Weisenburger following the appointment. "That's the most we can do, the best we can do. What I find is whenever we give our all to something, God takes it refashions it and makes it something beautiful." The Archdiocese of Detroit is Michigan's largest Catholic diocese with more than 900,000 Catholics and 213 parishes in Lapeer, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Wayne counties.
