During the Mass on June 29 at St. Peter's Basilica for the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Pope Leo XIV conferred the pallium on the 35 metropolitan archbishops who had been appointed the previous year.
Of these archbishops, four hail from the United States: Archbishops Ronald Hicks of New York, James Golka of Denver, James Checchio of New Orleans, and Mark Rivituso of Mobile, Alabama.
Hundreds of pilgrims were part of delegations accompanying the new archbishops. The pilgrims described the experience as historic, witnessing the first American pope, Leo XIV, bestow the pallium, and expressed their hope that their new shepherds would bring youthful energy to the faithful they now serve.
A 'surreal' experience full of emotion
After the pallium Mass, the new archbishops attended a reception at the Pontifical North American College (PNAC), which has trained American seminarians for the priesthood since 1859.
Golka, appointed to Denver in February, described receiving the pallium as a profoundly emotional experience.
"To hear him [Pope Leo] say, 'Peace be with you' in English. And then I greeted him back, 'And with your spirit.' And then I said, 'I pray for you every day.' And he said, 'Thank you.' And then I was crying on the way back to my chair," Golka told EWTN News.
Scott Elmer, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Denver, added: "It's definitely breathtaking to see so many bishops, priests, laity, and cardinals from all over the world gathering together. Hearing so many languages being spoken, yet all being one in our Catholic faith and worshipping the Lord as one in the holy Mass was really a treat."
Hicks also described his experience at the Mass and its significance for his archdiocese, following Cardinal Timothy Dolan's leadership from 2009 to 2025.
"I thought the experience was beautiful, powerful, holy, sacred, and even a bit surreal. I'm still pinching myself," Hicks told EWTN News.
"I've met him before, and when I introduced myself afterward, I just said, 'Hi, I'm Ron Hicks from New York.' He said, 'Of course I know.' [Pope Leo] wants us to be a Church on mission. He wants us to make sure that what Christ himself has asked us to do is done in the spirit of love and in the spirit of charity."
Laura Moore Brown, an attorney and parishioner at Ascension Parish in Manhattan, added: "I think what's really exciting is that there is such a new surge of youth, meaning people in their 20s and 30s coming back to Mass, getting involved. I think the youthfulness of Archbishop Hicks will be a draw, and his relatability to that age group will increase enthusiasm and participation in the Church."
Receiving the pallium from an American pope
Pilgrims also reflected on the historic nature of the pallium Mass, presided over by Leo XIV, the first American pope.
Checchio, who served as rector of the PNAC from 2005 to 2016, organized receptions for new U.S. archbishops during his tenure. To be on the receiving end, he said, was surreal.
"I had been, as you know, rector here for 12 and a half years, so I have attended many pallium services and hosted many archbishops from across our country for receptions here afterward," Checchio told EWTN News. "But coming to receive it myself was a bit surreal. Receiving it from Pope Leo — an American pope — was even more so."
Checchio also commented on the difference in approach between Leo and his predecessor, Pope Francis, regarding the bestowal of the pallium. During the later part of Francis' papacy, he did not place the pallium on the shoulders of the new archbishops, opting instead to bless the pallium and have the apostolic nuncios place it on them.
Checchio said he was grateful for the change.
"I am grateful for it. It's a beautiful opportunity to make an oath of fidelity to him in his presence, as we shepherd our people in his name."
Raechelle Munna, a parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in New Orleans, shared about the pilgrimage: "I knew that when I was invited to go on this pilgrimage, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I needed to be part of. We are still hoping for Pope Leo to visit us in New Orleans!"
Hopes for the future
A few of the pilgrims expressed their hopes for the new archbishops, none of whom have yet served a full year in their new dioceses.
Shannon Roh, the executive director of stewardship and development for the Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama, characterized the new archbishop, Rivituso, as a servant leader.
"I would say that, as a leader, he really comes across as a servant leader from the very beginning," Roh told EWTN News. "He leads by example and gets right in there to help and be part of the solution. Whether it's packing bags at a school or whatever, he wants to be part of it. He's definitely a servant leader, kind, compassionate, with a big heart."
Glynn Stevens, minister for hospitality at the Cathedral of St. Louis in New Orleans, expressed hope that Checchio would successfully lead his new diocese through a challenging financial period.
"We're looking forward to his leadership, his skills. He comes with open arms. We have a lot of healing to do throughout our country, and he is definitely the man who I think can bring it to the city of New Orleans."
