The Catholic Church of Rwanda has expressed joy following the election of the new pope, Robert Francis Prevost of the United States, who will now be known as Pope Leo XIV. The new pope was unveiled on Thursday evening from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the end of the conclave.

ALSO READ: When to expect a new pope? A look at the shortest and longest conclaves

Speaking to The New Times shortly after the announcement, Father Vedaste Kayisabe, the Secretary General of the Council of Catholic Bishops in Rwanda, said the Church welcomes the new pontiff with open arms.

"I am very happy because the one who is elected is new. He was made a cardinal recently and wasn’t among those expected by the media or widely considered likely to be elected. This shows the Holy Spirit has truly worked,” said Kayisabe.

ALSO READ: Black Smoke: No pope elected on first day of conclave in Vatican

He noted that the new pope’s American nationality came as an additional surprise. "We didn’t expect that. It’s very interesting. He is welcome.”

Pope Leo XIV is the first pontiff from the US. He replaces late Pope Francis who hailed from Argentina.

Asked whether Rwandans had prayed for their own Cardinal Antoine Kambanda to be elected, Kayisabe noted that the focus had been on divine guidance, not personal preference.

"We prayed the Holy Spirit to choose the one most aligned with His will. We didn’t pray for one specific person. That could have been our choice, but we wanted the choice of the Holy Spirit,” said the priest.

Father Kayisabe also praised Pope Leo XIV’s ability to speak many languages, calling it a strength that will bring him closer to people around the world. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, and can read Latin and German.

"When you preach in the language people understand, that is wonderful. He will truly be a universal pastor,” Kayisabe said.