The Most Rev. Mark Brennan, Bishop of the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese, expressed hope and optimism following the selection of Pope Leo XIV, saying the new pope is likely to carry on the Catholic Church’s mission of outreach and social justice.
Based on his background and his choice of papal name, Bishop Brennan sees Pope Leo XIV as a leader rooted in compassion and committed to continuing the legacy of Pope Francis.
The papal conclave concluded swiftly, electing Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV in just over 24 hours. Brennan, like many others, was surprised not just by the speed of the decision but also by the fact that Prevost had only been serving in Rome for about two and a half years as the head of the Office of Bishops — a major leadership role similar to a cabinet position.
“Even though he hadn’t been in Rome long, his position gave him wide exposure to bishops and cardinals,” Brennan explained. “That probably helped the conclave feel confident in choosing him.”
Brennan acknowledged that selecting an American pope is unusual, but said Pope Leo XIV’s long ministry in Peru likely played a bigger role in his election. “He spent years working in Latin America — in a region deeply impacted by poverty and terrorism.
That kind of hands-on experience connects him to the people in a powerful way,” Brennan said. “It also helped alleviate any hesitation cardinals might have had about picking someone from a global superpower.”
While Pope Leo’s nationality may be American, Brennan emphasized that the cardinals were more focused on his character and service history. “He’s known for being close to the people and approachable,” Brennan said. “He’s not someone who stands off in the distance — and that matters.”
Brennan expects Pope Leo to be a bit more reserved in public speaking compared to his predecessor. “Pope Francis was very candid — some might even say improvisational — in the way he communicated, even comparing him to President Trump in that regard,” Brennan said. “I think Pope Leo will likely be more thoughtful in how he expresses himself, though no less committed to the Church’s mission.”
One key sign of continuity with Pope Francis’s legacy is Pope Leo XIV’s outreach to the marginalized. “Francis brought a poetic touch to ministry, reaching people on the fringes of both society and the Church,” Brennan said. “While Leo XIV might go about it differently, I believe he shares that same goal.”
Brennan also pointed out the significance of Pope Leo’s name choice. “Pope Leo XIII was known for standing up for workers and speaking out against economic injustice. Choosing the name Leo XIV signals a commitment to social justice and working-class concerns.”
Locally, Brennan emphasized the continued need for community engagement. He believes the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese must work hard to reach both those unfamiliar with the Catholic faith and those who have drifted away from the Church. “We can’t allow ourselves to keep shrinking,” Brennan said. “We need to actively share our faith and connect with people where they are.”
Beyond the Catholic community, Brennan noted the positive attention Pope Leo XIV’s election has received from non-Catholics. “I’ve already received messages from friends of other faiths who are excited and praying for him,” Brennan said. “That kind of goodwill reminds us that the pope’s role is bigger than just the Church — he’s a spiritual figure for the whole world.”
As the Catholic Church begins a new chapter under Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Brennan hopes that both global and local communities will find inspiration in his leadership. The message, he says, is clear: the mission of compassion, justice, and outreach continues.
