Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Springfield Catholic Bishop Thomas John Paprocki (pictured) is optimistic that Pope Leo XIV – the former Bob Prevost – is the right choice to lead the world’s Catholics.

Speaking to reporters Friday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Paprocki turned to Scripture.

“Peter is the first one to say, you are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, and so that is the first criterion: someone who recognizes the Lord as our Savior and our Messiah,” said the bishop. “Secondly, I think what our Lord is looking for is someone who loves the Lord very much.

“In that sense, I have great hope for Pope Leo XIV.”

While they have only met in passing, the two are native south side Chicagoans, they each have doctorates in canon law — and they like the same baseball team.

Paprocki added, “The cardinals have elected a White Sox fan.”

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