Townsville Catholic Bishop Tim Harris has praised the appointment of the first American Pope

The head of the Catholic Church in Townsville has described the new Pope as a “steady figure” who was known for his “humility, discretion and balanced judgement.”

• World reacts to new Pope
• Meet Pope Leo XIV

The head of the Catholic Church in Townsville has described the new Pope as a “steady figure” who was known for his “humility, discretion and balanced judgement.”

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, originally from Chicago, was appointed on Friday morning, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

Catholic Bishop Tim Harris said the new Pope was “a man to be trusted,” and was a long-time missionary in Peru.

“I welcome this election,” he said.

Townsville Bishop Tim Harris meets with Pope Francis in the Vatican. Picture: Vatican Media

The 69-year-old pontiff was well regarded by Pope Francis, with the late Pope choosing him to oversee the appointment of Bishops worldwide.

Bishop Harris has “no doubt” Pope Leo XIV will share similar values as Pope Francis, and would continue the work he began.

“His will be a voice needed more than ever in the Church and world,” he said.

“I pledge my loyalty and full support to him as the true successor of St Peter.”

Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian religious order, known for its focus on community, education and service, which he led as the prior general for more than a decade.

The Bishop has predicted which issues the new pontiff will tackle in his first few years, focusing on modern issues.

“I think Pope Leo XIV will seek doctrinal clarity especially in relation to the social teaching of the Church and in doing so, address modern issues like secularism, climate change, sexual ethics and technology,” Bishop Harris said.

“Most of all, he will seek Church unity and call on the world to choose peace not war.

“This is a truly inspired election and I ask us to pray for Pope Leo XIV as his pontificate begins.”

Originally published as Townsville Catholic Bishop Tim Harris has praised the appointment of the first American Pope