The election of a new Pope appears to have garnered a positive reaction in Carlow and Kilkenny.
White smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel yesterday evening after the fourth round of voting of 133 Cardinals.
It was then revealed that Robert Prevost, now known as Leo the 14th, the first north American Pontiff.
He’s been joined again by Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel again for his first Mass as leader of the Catholic Church (10am this morning).
Bishop of Ossory Niall Coll met his new leader – he outlined that as well as his reaction to the election outcome to KCLR News’ Edwina Grace;
The KCLR Daily also heard from Eoin McCormack of the Pontifical Irish College in Rome who knows Pope Leo and was present to see the white smoke;
Local Imam, Ibrahim Ndure, issued the following statement to KCLR News;
“Greetings of peace be upon all of you. In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. On behalf of the Muslim community in Kilkenny, I extend our warm congratulations to our Christian neighbours on the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This is a momentous occasion for Catholics around the world, and we recognise the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding people toward compassion, justice, and peace. We pray that Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will be marked by wisdom, unity, and a spirit of openness that strengthens dialogue and understanding among all faiths. May his tenure be a blessing to all who seek truth and serve humanity. Thank you.”
While Dean Stephen Farrell who’s based at St Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny city also outlined his opinion;