Archbishop James P. Green may not be a familiar name to American Catholics, but the Philadelphia native has played a significant role on the world stage, including ordaining the future Pope Leo XIV a bishop.
Throughout the pontificates of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, Archbishop Green, 75, served as papal nuncio to Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, South Africa, Namibia, and Peru, where he ordained then Father Robert Prevost — now Pope Leo XIV — as Bishop of Chiclayo in 2014.
Archbishop Green visited longtime friend Bishop Michael F. Burbidge in Arlington June 4. During his visit to the diocese, Archbishop Green sat down for a brief interview to reflect on the election of Pope Leo XIV as the first American pope.
“Now as we think about it, we can begin to understand it really should not have been that much of a shock,” said Archbishop Green. “(Pope) Leo XIV had great experience internationally as a superior general of the Augustinians and spent many years outside of the United States in Peru itself as a missionary. He served there as a priest for so many years and then as a bishop. This has to have had an impact on his person.”
Archbishop Green, who retired in 2022, said that Pope Leo XIV has a unique gift for bringing people together. “I think he sees himself as interrelating with everyone,” he said. “I watched him stand with all the people when he was in Peru and keep people together and he was very talented with this.”
The name chosen by the Holy Father offers important insight into the man according to Archbishop Green. “He chose a name which was extremely interesting,” he said. In choosing the name of Leo, the archbishop said, the Holy Father knew he would avoid being “labeled instantly.”
After seeing Pope Leo XIV in action over the years, Archbishop Green came to appreciate his talent for patience and clarity. “Clarity is going to be important for him. I’ve seen this myself, he’s a very good listener,” he said. “So, as you’re speaking, he’s taking in what you’re saying before he responds.”
All Catholics should come together in unity to pray for Pope Leo XIV, urged Archbishop Green. “Pray for the new Holy Father because this is a ministry beyond ministries,” said the archbishop. “This is not an easy thing. All of the issues that we all know face the church right now are on his desk. It demands a tremendous amount of sacrifice.”
The responsibility to pray for Pope Leo XIV is much more than a sentiment, said the archbishop. “This is the way we’re supposed to act towards the Holy Father.”
