Ambassador Francis Rooney and Pope Leo XIV

By Shelley Irwin

Published July 3, 2025 at 10:44 AM EDT

We talk to Ambassador Francis Rooney about his friendship with America's first Pope, Pope Leo XIV.

He knows the Pope personally and has led a life of service. We talk to Ambassador Francis Rooney who watched as the conclave unexpectedly selected an American As the church's next leader, Rooney appointed by President George W Bush as US Ambassador to the Holy See. Rooney talks about his friendship with America's first Pope, Pope Leo XIV.

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Shelley Irwin

Shelley Irwin is the host and producer for The Shelley Irwin Show, a news magazine talk-show format on the local NPR affiliate Monday through Friday. The show, broadcast at 9 a.m., features a wide variety of local and national news makers, plus special features.

See stories by Shelley Irwin