By Stephen Appezzato
MONMOUTH COUNTY – Catholics across Monmouth County and the broader Diocese of Trenton joined millions around the world in celebration and reflection following the historic election of the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV.
Local priests expressed surprise, joy and reverence for Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native with deep missionary roots in Peru, who was elected pope by the Vatican conclave of cardinals May 8.
At the Church of St. Leo the Great in Lincroft, the news carried special significance.
“He took the name Leo, which hasn’t been taken in 100 years,” noted the Rev. John Folchetti, the church’s pastor. “Pope Leo, now the 14th, took the name Leo in honor of Pope Leo the 13th, and also St. Leo the Great,” the parish’s namesake. “Both of whom were great, great men.”
Pope Leo XIII, who ruled from 1878 to 1903, is recognized by many for his commitment to social justice through the church and human dignity.
Folchetti drew a connection between the new pontiff and his predecessors. “They were both champions of peace, of unity, of the dignity of the human person, about preserving the truth, and not just, you know, some wishy-washy teaching, but preserving the truth of the gospel – authenticity, if you want to call it.”
“Leo the Great, who we’re named after, was a great champion for truth and also getting along with other faiths. So there’s the aspect of unity, you know, and not compromising the truth,” Folchetti added.
Like many, Folchetti admitted he did not expect to see an American elected pope. “Did I ever think? No, not in my lifetime,” he said. “The feeling was America’s a superpower with this and that. But I think that what the cardinals did was look not to the things we may look to,” like global politics, “but rather look to his holiness, how holy he is, his ministry – he served for many years as a missionary – his ability to speak different languages,” and “the fact that he doesn’t compromise.”
“When they announced him the other day, I was very much surprised,” Folchetti said.
To mark the historic moment, St. Leo’s is planning a special Mass celebration. “We’re looking at a date where we’re going to have a special Mass on a Sunday and have some finger foods for all parishioners who come,” Folchetti shared.
At St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Middletown, the Rev. Jeff Kegley described a spontaneous gathering that turned into a watch party following a Thursday Mass.
“When Robert Cardinal Prevost was announced as the new pope – taking the name Leo XI – our gathering erupted in joyful shouts,” he said in a statement. “There was great excitement not only because we have a new pope, but also because he is an AmerKegley noted Pope Leo XIV’s first words, “We are disciples of Christ. Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light,” adding, “His clarity and conviction are a powerful sign of hope.”
In Rumson, the Rev. Michael Lankford-Stokes of Holy Cross Parish echoed the surprise many felt. “I never thought I would see an American as pope in my lifetime,” he said. “What seemed impossible has become possible.”
Lankford-Stokes said Pope Leo XIV is “clearly a talented man with many gifts to offer the Church and the world.”
“His faithful witness to Jesus Christ and the gospel through his service to the Church in Peru, and to the Augustinian Order, speaks well of his pastoral care and love of others,” he said.
Following the news, the Diocese of Trenton, which serves approximately 700,000 Catholics across 97 parishes in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties, issued an official statement from Bishop David M. O’Connell.
“Today, the Diocese of Trenton rejoices and gives thanks to God for the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV,” O’Connell stated. “Pope Leo XIV has been chosen to lead us with wisdom, compassion, fidelity and holiness.”
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, 69, is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Peru and was previously a bishop in Peru before leading the Vatican’s office for bishop appointments. His election marks a new era in Catholic leadership and, with the news, many area churches offered special Masses of thanksgiving last weekend for the new pontiff.
The article originally appeared in the May 15 – 21, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
