PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – For the first time since Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration in 2025, the Archbishop of Portland sat down with the head of the Catholic church during a visit to the Vatican.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Archbishop Alexander K. Sample shared that he “had the great honor of being received in audience by the Holy Father, Leo XIV” on Monday, Feb. 9.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Sample said the Catholic leaders discussed the growth of the religion’s community in Portland.

“I was able to share with him how the Lord is blessing the Archdiocese of Portland through our mission renewal, and the fruits we have seen in recent years. I spoke about the growing number of seminarians, as well as the steady increase in adult conversions. Last year, 1,200 were received, and this Easter we are projecting more than 1,600.

The Holy Father was visibly pleased and moved by these signs of renewal. I also spoke with him about the challenges we face in proclaiming the Gospel with fidelity and courage. He listened with great warmth, assured me of his prayers, and I promised him ours in return.

I was especially struck by his discernment and his deep desire for ecclesial unity rooted in truth and charity. I return home grateful and encouraged.

Please continue to pray for our Holy Father, and for the ongoing renewal of our archdiocese.”

Olympic skater Ilia ‘Quad God’ Malinin shares petition to save Lloyd Center ice rink

Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope elected in the church’s 2,000-year history. At the time of his election in May 2025, Archbishop Sample said he was stunned.

“When the announcement was made, I can honestly say I was stunned,” Sample said shortly after the announcement. “You know, being from the United States originally, I just, I didn’t think maybe the rest of the cardinals of the world was ready for an American pope. But here we are.”

After the election, Sample also said he felt “encouraged” that Pope Leo XIV was from the U.S., as he will likely understand the church in America and “the challenges that we face here.”

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.