Catholics in Sheffield and Doncaster react to Pope Leo XIV’s historic election with both optimism and concern.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on Thursday, May 8, after a two-day conclave in Rome. He becomes the first American to hold the papacy and the first to take the name Leo in over a century.
In Sheffield, the Very Reverend Christopher Mark Posluszny, Dean of St Marie’s Cathedral, said the new Pope’s connection to Pope Francis offered a sense of reassurance to many local Catholics.
“He worked very closely with Pope Francis and was raised to be a cardinal by him.
“Much of his work was focused on justice, peace, workers’ rights, and care for the environment — values that are similar to Pope Francis’s vision.”
He also mentioned that many Catholics in Sheffield are responding positively to the change.
In the last few years, there has been a rise in the number of people coming to the church.
“People have been reaching out, asking to join preparation programmes for receiving the sacraments — twice this year already, which is unusual. There’s real optimism that this pope will continue to guide the Church with confident leadership.”
In Doncaster, Father Darren Reid, Parish Priest at St Peter-in-Chains, said the announcement brought joy to his congregation, but also a desire for understanding what’s to come.
“My reaction is full of joy and gladness that the new Holy Father has been chosen.
“What he will bring will be shown in many different ways — being a witness to the whole world, an example of holiness, peace, and love.”
Fr. Reid said the church community in Doncaster had been prayerful in the lead-up to the announcement and is now ready to follow the new Pope’s guidance.
In Sheffield, Donna-Marie Garrett, 62, a long-time parishioner at St Marie’s Cathedral, welcomed the election with hope.
“I just prayed that God would send the right Pope,” she said.
She described Francis as ‘people’s Pope’ and said: “He made the Church feel closer to people and I don’t want to move backwards from that.”
As Pope Leo XIV starts to take the global stage, Catholics in South Yorkshire remain hopeful that his leadership will build on recent progress and unity.