How Americans celebrated election of first US pontiff

Americans reacted with pride and joy after Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected Pope Leo XIV, the first-ever American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. On Thursday, May 8, Pope Leo XIV appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, offering his first blessing as pontiff. ALSO READ: 'Great Honor': Trump welcomes first American Pope Back in the U.S., the excitement was immediate. “Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Congratulations to the first American Pope Leo XIV! We hope to welcome you back home soon.” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker echoed the sentiment, saying, “Hailing from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV ushers in a new chapter... at a time when we need compassion, unity, and peace.” ALSO READ: Rwandan church welcomes Pope Leo XIV with joy, surprise US Vice President JD Vance extended his congratulations on behalf of millions of American Christians, saying, “May God bless him!” His boss, President Donald Trump, had welcomed the election of Pope Leo, calling it a “Great Honor” for the American people. New York Governor Kathy Hochul wrote, “The prayers of millions of Catholics around the globe are with you to guide the Church forward and be a strong champion for compassion and dignity.” Texas Representative Joaquin Castro said Pope Leo XIV reflects “Pope Francis’ creed to choose light over darkness... and unify all people in a divided world.” The U.S. embassy to the Holy See issued a formal message of celebration, congratulating Pope Leo XIV and acknowledging the historic significance of the American elected the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church. ALSO READ: When to expect a new pope? A look at the shortest and longest conclaves Religious leaders also expressed joy and admiration. The Archdiocese of Detroit released a heartfelt statement from Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger: “Pope Leo XIV's election leaves me exceptionally joyful... I must humbly acknowledge that I did not anticipate a United States citizen would be elected Pope.” Weisenburger noted the new pope’s years of ministry in Peru, his humility, and his close ties to Pope Francis as defining qualities that likely resonated with the College of Cardinals. Villanova University, in Pennsylvania, where Pope Leo XIV once studied, marked the moment as a milestone for the Augustinian tradition. ALSO READ: What Cardinal Kambanda’s participation in the papal conclave means for Rwanda “Known for his humility, gentle spirit, prudence and warmth, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our educational mission,” said University President Rev. Peter Donohue. Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined Americans in extending his congratulations to the new pontiff. “Habemus Papam! Congratulations to the first American pontiff, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, on his election as the 267th successor to Saint Peter. May God grant him wisdom, courage, and grace as he carries out his sacred ministry,” Rubio wrote.

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How Americans celebrated election of first US pontiff