Abilene parishioner optimistic as Pope Leo XIV begins tenure

Editor’s Note: The following interview was originally conducted in Spanish and has been translated into English.

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been appointed as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, adopting the name Pope Leo XIV.

The election of the new pontiff has sparked celebration among Catholic churches in Abilene, particularly at Holy Family Parish on Buffalo Gap Road. Faviola Corral, a leader in the Catholic Church, discussed the significance of this event and its impact on the city’s Hispanic community.

“Well, since we have a Pope to guide us, to enlighten us, and to lead us to our faith. To live it, to confirm our faith throughout the world,” said Corral.

Corral also shared what it means to her that the Pope is not only an American who served as a bishop in Peru, but also speaks Spanish.

“It was quite something, our first pope from the United States who speaks Spanish, so it was very exciting for all Spanish-speaking people,” Corral said.

The name of the cardinal-elect wasn’t one of the most mentioned before the new pope’s revelation.

“We were quite surprised; we didn’t expect it, but the Holy Spirit guides, and whatever we need, it’s there,” Corral said.

Corral also spoke about what the Church in Abilene expects from this new papacy.

“There are many expectations, many expectations spoken about, and God is healthy for us here, too. In Texas, we are implementing the new vision of how to work, how to continue, and increasing our faith, which is growing every day,” Corral said.

Regarding continuity with Pope Francis’s leadership, we asked Corral how he sees the new Pope Leo XIV.

“Well, I think right now, the way he’s giving… Always taking care of the nationalities, the culture, and implementing all of this while respecting and reaching out little by little, seeing what he means to foster our faith,” Corral shared.

On the topic of immigration, Corral mentioned that the Pope previously served in Peru as an Augustinian:

“We need to recognize and try to give dignity to people who don’t have a better future and who come to live abroad,” Corral said.