Archbishop Golka, Archbishop Emeritus Aquila and Bishop Rodriguez Meet Pope Leo XIV
- André Escaleira, Jr.
- Jul 8
- 1 min read
(Photos ©Vatican Media)
The pallium pilgrimage was a blessed and unique experience for pilgrims, to be sure, but one special moment for Northern Colorado's shepherds stood out among them all: meeting Pope Leo XIV!
While in Rome for the pilgrimage and Pallium Mass, Denver Archbishop James Golka, Archbishop Emeritus Samuel J. Aquila, and Denver Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez, together with John Magee, archdiocesan chancellor, and Deacon Doug Flinn, archdiocesan general counsel, had the opportunity to sit down with the Holy Father.
The meeting came only one day after the Pallium Mass, when Pope Leo conferred the special vestment, worn only by metropolitan archbishops, on Denver's new shepherd. In their seconds-long interaction that day, the Holy Father encouraged Archbishop Golka in their native language — a breath of fresh air in such a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime moment!
During their joyful, blessed meeting, the Holy Father and the archdiocesan delegation discussed the Church in Northern Colorado and the ways that God has been and continues to move in our parishes, schools, ministries and communities. Pope Leo was interested in hearing of the Archdiocese of Denver's vitality and passion for preaching the Gospel.
The archdiocesan delegation described the meeting as never feeling rushed or "just another audience." Through their time with the Holy Father, it was eminently clear to them that Pope Leo is a gracious, considerate and compassionate pastor, asking good questions and communicating well.
As the meeting came to a close, Pope Leo and Denver's shepherds assured each other of their prayers.
