Baker Diocese in Bend reacts as first American pope is selected to lead Catholic Church
Cami Porter
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– While Catholics around the globe celebrate the new pope, KTVZ News discovered a unique connection between our area and Pope Leo XIV at the headquarters of the Baker Diocese here in Central Oregon.
There was excitement and hope surrounding the new pope. We sat down with Bishop Liam Carey, who was surprised by how quickly the new pope was chosen.
While Bishop Carey had some knowledge of Cardinal Prevost before his election, he’s learning more about him now. The bishop says Pope Leo brings a strong background in Catholic canon law and left a powerful first impression.
Bishop Kerry told KTVZ News, “I was impressed and kind of moved very much moved by the person on the screen. There’s something about his personality that came through. I’ve read one place that he was not a flashy person, he’s kind of a quiet person, but when he speaks, you know that he means what he says.”
When a new pope is selected, he gets to choose his new name, and it turns out the Baker Diocese has some history with the last Pope Leo. Pope Leo XIII was the one who ordered the creation of the Catholic diocese in our area. The bishop showed KTVZ News the documents from 1903 bearing the pope’s signature and seal.