By Katie Vasquez
Currents News got a bird’s-eye view of St. Peter’s Square on the day Pope Leo XIV was elected with an invitation up to the dicastery building to watch the announcement with clergy from the Diocese of Brooklyn.
We waited eagerly as they shared in their excitement to see the new leader of the universal Church.
Monsignor Cuong Pham and Father Willy Kingsley Ndi watched from the top of the building, ready to meet the new Holy Father.
They answered calls from family members and friends who were just as excited by the news.
“We feel a sense of excitement, and we feel a sense that God is still with us. And we are very proud of our Catholic Faith,” Monsignor Pham said.
“I was really excited because we have a universal pastor. That’s what the pope is. He’s the universal pastor, the one who leads us, associates of Peter,” Father Kingsley said.
For Father Kingsley, this has been especially momentous because it’s his first experience at a conclave.
“It’s so reassuring to know we have someone who can guide us in that mission, especially, as a priest speaking about myself, but also as a Christian,” he said. “I think it’s very important.”
Monsignor Pham has watched a few conclaves and installations from this position, but it’s an overwhelming experience each time.
“The fact that they do come together and they elect a pope on the second day of the conclave tells me that there was great unity among them, and this is great news for the Church” he said.
These past few weeks without a leader of the universal Church have been hard, and these two are happy to meet the new pontiff.
“Christ is our true shepherd, and the pope is his visible presence here,” Monsignor Pham said. “With the presence of the pope, we have the reassurance that Christ indeed has never left his Church unattended for, uncared for. “
“He’s the one who will help us to fulfill our mission as Christians and as a priest working here in the Holy See. I can tell you it’s definitely great news to know I have a new boss,” Father Kingsley said.
Both are looking forward to working with the new Holy Father in helping to lead the universal Church.