Most Rev. Austin A. Vetter Bishop | Diocese of Helena

The Diocese of Helena and Bishop Vetter have expressed their gratitude to Almighty God for the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, marking him as the 266th successor of Peter. This significant event took place on Thursday, May 8, with 133 Cardinal electors participating in the selection process.

Bishop Vetter has extended his support through prayers and fidelity, entrusting the new Pope's leadership to guide the global Church. The historic appointment is notable for U.S. Catholics as it marks the first time an American has been elected Pope, strengthening the connection between U.S. faithful and the heart of the global Church.

In September 2023, Bishop Vetter had a chance to meet with then-Cardinal Prevost during a program for new bishops. In honor of Pope Leo XIV’s election, Bishop Vetter will celebrate a Mass on Friday, May 9 at 7:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Helena, inviting all to participate either in person or in prayer.

Born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV holds a bachelor's degree from Villanova University and joined the Augustinian order in 1977. He furthered his education with degrees from Catholic Theological Union and Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.

His career included significant work in Peru starting in 1985 until he was elected head of the Augustinians’ Chicago-based province in 1999. From there, he served as prior general until 2013 before being appointed bishop of Chiclayo by Pope Francis in 2014 and later served as apostolic administrator of Callao from April 2020 to May 2021.

On January 30, 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America; he became a Cardinal on September 30 that same year.

Bishop Vetter recalled meeting then-Cardinal Prevost at last year's Rector’s dinner at Pontifical North American College alongside Bishop Checchio and others from Metuchen Diocese.