YAKIMA, Wash. – Bishop Joseph J. Tyson of the Diocese of Yakima shared his enthusiasm for the election of Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican’s 267th pope. The newly elected leader will guide nearly 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Bishop Tyson emphasized Pope Leo XIV’s personal background, which he believes will foster a closer connection with many parishioners.
“Pope Leo is going to bring his own personality, his own constellation of gifts and skills. So, you know, it’s where we’re going through a change… and that’s to be expected,” he said.
Pope Leo XIV, an American, has roots in both North America and Latin America. This dual heritage is significant to the Yakima Diocese and their parishioners.
“Here in the diocese of Yakima, about three fourths of our parishioners have Hispanic heritage. And, most of us attend mass in Spanish. So we’re happy clappy in central Washington with God. We’ve got another fluent Spanish speaking pope,” Tyson stated.
Bishop Tyson also offered insights into the papal name choice of Leo, suggesting it may draw inspiration from Leo XIII.
“He certainly decried radical socialism and carnivorous capitalism, but that became the basis for our social teaching over the next 150, 200 years,” he explained.
The bishop noted that modern churchgoers might not fully grasp these teachings, especially as Pope Leo XIV has expressed opinions against some of President Trump’s immigration policies.
“The social teaching of the church is clear. You cannot violate the dignity of the human person, regardless of whether they’re here legally, or illegally,” Tyson said.
