Holly Pfeifer, director of Cathedral Preschool in Owensboro, shared this photo of some of Cathedral Preschool’s staff “glued” to the TV coverage of the election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8. (Left to right) Tanya Ackerman, Stephanie Pigford, Juanita Garcia and Wella Weafer. Pfifer writes: “We already had pizza coming because of Teacher Appreciation Week and the fundraiser for Konnor Hawkinson at Donato’s. The announcement was perfect timing for a watch party! Wella was pulling for Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Filipino front runner (she is a native of the Philippines). Stephanie said, ‘I’m not even Catholic and I’m excited!’” COURTESY OF HOLLY PFEIFER

Seen here is 12-year-old OCS 4-6 student Westyn Dickens ringing the church bells at Sts. Joseph & Paul Parish on May 8, announcing that Pope Leo XIV had been chosen. Westyn’s mom, April Dickens, writes that Westyn was sick that day and did not go into school, and so was at work with her at the parish office. She writes: “I told him this is a memory he won’t forget! When we heard that they had elected a pope he was very excited that he was going to get to ring the bells.” This is the third pope to be elected since April has worked at the parish, so she knew they needed to ring the bells to announce the new pope. April adds: “Westyn said it happened faster than he expected. He figured it would take more times voting. Adoration was going on that day and the people attending Adoration were excited when we came over and told them we were coming to ring the bells because a new pope had been chosen.” COURTESY OF APRIL DICKENS

Bishop William F. Medley and vice-chancellor and Office of the Bishop administrative assistant Martha Hagan text during the announcement of Pope Leo XIV as the first American-born pope on May 8. RACHEL HALL | WKC

On May 19, 2025, Bishop William F. Medley presides at a Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV at St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC