Diocese of Fargo Bishop Folda Reacts To Selection of New Pope

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — We got a chance to speak with Bishop John Folda of the Diocese of Fargo to get his thoughts on the new pope.

Folda says that he’s excited to see how Pope Leo will continue the legacy of Pope Francis and hopes he continues Francis’ focus on helping those living in poverty, but doesn’t think he will be a carbon copy.

He also says that having a pope that’s from the United States will give Pope Leo an understanding of the needs of churches and the people here at home.

“I think he will be able to speak to us in a very direct way and we’ll be able to speak to him in a way that will be very clear. So that will be a blessing, really, a grace for us here in the U.S.,” said Folda.

While Folda says he’s never met him, he is planning a trip to the Vatican in a few weeks and hopes to get a chance to meet Pope Leo.