Pope Francis will visit the United States later this week.
Francis is the leader of the Catholic Church, whose 1.2 billion members worldwide include about a half million in Southern Nevada.
To the world, Pope Francis appears to have broken the papal mold, speaking plainly and openly against greed, avarice and rampant capitalism. And while taking a strong stance against abortion — he preaches that everyone deserves forgiveness.
Father Robert Stoeckig, vicar general for the Diocese of Las Vegas, told KNPR's State of Nevada that the pope's message on abortion coincides with the launch of the year of mercy on December 8.
“His message of mercy is the capstone of what the next year will be about,” he said. "He's very much concerned about people and how the mercy of Christ is communicated by the people who represent the church."
Another big message that the pope has had since the beginning has been about helping the poor and needy.
Father Stoeckig said while that might have ruffled some feathers it has put the poor back in the center of the church.
"When you look at leadership within the church over the grand scope of history... I think it is always a pendulum swinging and I think that over the long haul keeps us centered on where we're supposed to be," he said.
Attorney John Mowbray, who was the former head of Catholic Charities in Southern Nevada, agreed with Father Stoeckig that sometimes shaking up the status quo is a good thing.
"I think that it is exactly that that has energized and put the spotlight back on the Catholic Church here in Southern Nevada," Mowbray said.
Mowbray said Pope Francis has lead by example.
"He's, I think, preaching by example, drawing a lot of interest, not just with Catholics," Mowbray said. "I don't think this pope is afraid to step into the wind and face those issues head on."
In Southern Nevada, some of the issues facing the Diocese of Las Vegas include growth of congregations and finding enough clergy to serve. However, Father Stoeckig said language and cultural barriers are also a concern.
“One obvious issue is language. For first generation immigrant people, where ever they're from, they want to pray in the language they learned to pray in,” he said. "Each culture brings with them particular ways that faith is celebrated."
From NPR: So You're Going To Meet The Pope... A Primer On The Pontiff
John Mowbray, attorney; Father Robert Stoeckig, vicar general, Diocese of Las Vegas
