COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Sister Pat Twohill, the Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Peace in Columbus, expressed her joy and excitement following the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.
The announcement came as Sister Pat was attending a conference for female leaders from around 95 countries, coinciding with the conclave.
“I’ve been praying to Pope Francis that we would get a good Pope,” she told ABC 6’s Nick Viland via Zoom on Thursday. “I knew that whomever the Cardinals chose would be a man of faith and would be a leader, a spiritual leader for the whole world.”
She shared her experience of meeting families from various religions and nations, including a Hindu couple who expressed their hopes for a successful conclave.
“So I think the whole world is rejoicing tonight,” Sister Pat said.
Sister Pat noted the surprise of Pope Leo XIV’s election, as many in Rome had anticipated an Italian pope.
Meanwhile, Bishop Earl Fernandes of the Diocese of Columbus released a statement expressing gratitude for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the Cardinals’ decision.
“We look with great anticipation and excitement as we begin this new chapter in the history of our Catholic faith and indeed human history,” Fernandes said in his statement.
