AUDIO: Catholics hold Mass of Thanksgiving in Kalamazoo for Pope Leo XIV

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Catholics gathered at St. Augustine Cathedral last evening in Kalamazoo to hold a Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo is known to parishioners in west Michigan as Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago native who graduated high school in Allegan County in 1973.

That was Deacon Roger Gregorski of Niles, who remembered interacting with the pope when they were younger and on summer retreats.

Sharon Gregorski recalled her excitement seeing Cardinal Prevost become Pope Leo XIV.

Bishop Edward Lohse said the speed with which Leo was selected was “significant” and showed the “College of Cardinals saw the same thing” that the Pope is calling for authenticity and integrity among Christians.