Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, recently introduced as the 267th pope, is being praised by members of the Archdiocese of Louisville who are familiar with him. Known now as Pope Leo XIV, he is described by local Catholics as a calm and attentive listener.

Archbishop Emeritus Joseph E. Kurtz expressed his delight upon hearing about the new pope's election. "All of a sudden, I heard his last name and I was delighted," said Archbishop Kurtz. He shared his eagerness to experience Pope Leo XIV's leadership based on their past interactions during the Synod on Evangelization in 2012.

Archbishop Kurtz recounted working with Pope Leo XIV, then an Augustinian priest and Superior General of his religious order, during the synod where they collaborated to summarize contributions from bishops. "His tone was very pastoral, very much a listener," said Archbishop Kurtz, adding that these qualities would serve well in his new role.

The archbishop also commented on the historical significance of the name Leo for popes. "The first Pope Leo was courageous in defending Rome against Attila the Hun," he noted.

Sister Susan Scharfenberger, an Ursuline Sister from Louisville who encountered Pope Leo XIV when he served temporarily in Peru's Diocese of Callao, also praised him for bringing calm and listening well to others. She described him as deeply sincere with a focus on addressing corruption calmly and effectively.

Sister Scharfenberger highlighted his emphasis on serving the poor and fostering community dialogue. "Dialogue, listening, working together, building community," she said were among his strong points.

Father Joseph Hayden, a retired priest who served in Peru for many years, recalled hearing a speech by Pope Leo XIV when he was still a seminary professor in Trujillo. "I always remember it was the best speech I'd ever heard — solid as a rock," Father Hayden stated.

He emphasized that church ministry should focus on staying accessible to people in need rather than seeking financial gain. "The secret is to stay in the street," Father Hayden said about serving communities affected by gangs and terror groups.