News from the Diocese of Sioux City - the latest diocesan news stories, photos, events and more. (Look for the ORANGE lettering for links.)
Diocesan response to new American pope
Matt Breen of NBC Sioux City affiliate KTIV Channel 4 was among the media interviewing Bishop John E. Keehner following the election of the new pope.
Just one week after the episcopal ordination of Bishop John E. Keehner as the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, on May 8 Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope.
The cardinal, 69, selected the name Leo XIV.
When news outlets announced that white smoke was spotted from the rooftop of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a new pope had been selected, Bishop Keehner sent a message to all diocesan parishes to ring their bells for five minutes and once the new pope was named he asked that the bells be rung for another five minutes.
Addressing local media less than two hours after the new Holy Father appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Bishop Keehner explained just prior to walking into a board meeting he was aware that white smoke had appeared on the “smoke cam” and the group turned on an EWTN television broadcast in the room. As soon as there was activity on the balcony, they suspended the meeting to watch the broadcast.
The cardinal, 69, selected the name Leo XIV.
When news outlets announced that white smoke was spotted from the rooftop of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a new pope had been selected, Bishop Keehner sent a message to all diocesan parishes to ring their bells for five minutes and once the new pope was named he asked that the bells be rung for another five minutes.
Addressing local media less than two hours after the new Holy Father appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Bishop Keehner explained just prior to walking into a board meeting he was aware that white smoke had appeared on the “smoke cam” and the group turned on an EWTN television broadcast in the room. As soon as there was activity on the balcony, they suspended the meeting to watch the broadcast.
Seminarians Thomas Kollasch and Anthony Vera and their classmates ran to St. Peter Square in Rome to see the new pope.
More papal related news
Kenrick seminarians react to announcement
As Cardinal Robert Prevost’s name was announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, seminarians at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary jumped from their seats with an explosion of cheers when they realized that a pope from North America had been chosen.
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New pope calls for Christian witness
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Where Christians are "mocked, opposed, despised or at best tolerated and pitied" is where the Catholic Church's "missionary outreach is most desperately needed," Pope Leo XIV said in his first homily as leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.
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First American elected pope
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, the Chicago-born prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis, was elected the 267th pope May 8 and took the name Pope Leo XIV.
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Illuminating Catholics Podcast
Seminarians share insights after death of Pope Francis
Rome seminarians Thomas Kollasch and Anthony Vera share their impressions from living in Rome at the death of Pope Francis and preparing for the conclave. Kollasch was selected to serve as a eucharistic minister at the pope's funeral Mass.
Listen to this episode by clicking on adjacent link or find this episode and all of our episodes wherever you get your podcasts or by clicking here.
We've uploaded a PDF of the ordination magazine commemorating the ordination of Bishop John E. Keehner. Thanks to all our advertisers.
More diocesan headlines, features
Jubilarians feted, thanked by bishop
Father Paul Nguyen, pastor of St. Sebastian Parish based in Pocahontas, was the primary honoree at the May 5 annual jubilee Mass at Storm Lake St. Mary Church. The priest celebrates his 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination this year. Eighteen retired priests were also acknowledged.
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Community rallies behind senior at time of loss
Ronnie Vedin, a senior at Bishop Heelan who has been a part of the school system since he was in kindergarten, has witnessed through the years how the school family has rallied around those with struggles big and small.
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Bishop Keehner coat of arms explained
Bishop John E. Keehner received his completed coat of arms designed by heraldic artist David Burkart, as recommended by Father Andrew Galles, director of worship for the Diocese of Sioux City.
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Bishop's siblings react to appointment
While the siblings of Bishop John E. Keehner all had different reactions to their brother being named to the episcopate, they all agreed he has the qualities to make a great bishop.
His younger brother and baby of the family, Rich Keehner, said he was shocked, “but in a good way.”
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What's going on around the diocese?
Be sure to check these links for area news, upcoming events, feature photos and more items.
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