(Editor’s note: This was written during Bishop Scott Bullock’s October pilgrimage to Rome.)

Greetings from Rome! Today, I had the joy of getting to meet the pope and, specifically, to thank him for the treasured appointment as Bishop of Rapid City. It was an amazing experience!

As I was being led to the place (right next to the pope during the audience, seated next to maybe four other bishops and a cardinal), suddenly some of the folks in the enormous crowd erupted with enthusiasm. It was a pilgrimage from the Diocese of Rapid City, led by Fathers Adam Hofer and Robert Kinyon. While there were many from Lemmon and Rapid City, I learned that there were others on the pilgrimage from Hill City, Spearfish, and other parishes in the diocese. It was heartwarming to receive their enthusiasm and affection!

After the official teaching of the Holy Father, Pope Francis (which he usually offers during these weekly audiences), I was able to greet Pope Francis. I said to him, in Italian, “I am a new bishop from the United States, [a bishop] for only two weeks.” Pope Francis reacted with delight! He began to wave his hand across his face and replied, again in Italian, “I can still smell the oil (Chrism from your ordination)!” and he grinned with delight. I replied, “Grazie per questa gran onore,” Thank you for this great honor. It was a highlight — the pope showed such delight in my new life as the Bishop of Rapid City! I’m delighted too! Even more, it was such a joy to be able to share this moment, unexpectedly, with some good folks around our diocese. I am grateful!

I have also had the joy of meeting with our newest member of the clergy, Deacon Max Vetch (ordained to the transitional diaconate) and Seminarian Dillon Johnson, both of whom are attending on our behalf the seminary called the “North American College,” here in Rome. It has been a joy to visit the seminary, which I attended a few years ahead of Deacon Max and Seminarian Dillon (in fact, 33 years before!). These are fine, committed servants of the Lord who seek to generously serve us in the name of the Lord. Keep praying for Deacon Max and Dillon, as well as rest of our remarkable seminarians, our future priests.

Thanks for your prayers, especially at the Masses in South Dakota, when, during the Eucharistic prayer, you pray for me by name. These prayers are effective, as I continue to grow in joy and enthusiasm over the new vocation given to me by the Vicar of Christ, the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis. See you back in the West River!

Peace,
+Bishop Scott Bullock