US Catholics rejoice at election of first American pope

Catholics across the United States gathered in joy and reverence on Thursday to celebrate the historic election of Pope Leo — the first American pontiff — expressing hope that his leadership would inspire reform and reignite faith among lapsed believers.

In New York, worshippers flocked to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan, a landmark of American Catholicism, where candles were lit and prayers offered.

“I can feel the excitement just from walking around,” said Rosaria Vigorito, 66, an artist from Miami. Wearing a crucifix around her neck, she shared her hopes that Pope Leo, a 69-year-old Chicago native who served extensively in Peru, would usher in progressive reforms.

“I have one issue with the Church that I hope he addresses — allowing women to become priests,” she said, citing Mary Magdalene as “an apostle to the apostles.”

Outside the cathedral, hundreds gathered in scenes mirrored nationwide, from Los Angeles to Houston and Washington, reflecting the deep impact of the election.

Oscar Salvador, 45, a Mexican laborer, called Leo’s rise “a blessing for the people of America,” saying he hoped the new pope would “leave a good legacy and help stop the decline in Catholic followers.”

In Houston, where a significant portion of the population identifies as Catholic, 29-year-old examinations officer Azul Montemayor admitted she was “a bit surprised” by the election of an American pope.

“I just hope he continues Pope Francis’s legacy of inclusivity,” she said, adding that she feared growing conservative influences in the Church.

Ciro Benitez, 41, an analyst, praised Pope Leo’s multicultural background, saying it showed that Catholicism was embracing global diversity: “It’s a sign we’re expanding to the world.”

Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, spent decades in Peru and was granted Peruvian nationality. In Washington, Peruvian diplomat Julio Aiana, 32, noted: “We are happy that now we have a pope who is half Peruvian. I believe the times are changing.”

Monsignor W. Ronald Jameson, director of St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, described Leo as “a friend of Pope Francis” with the ability to “listen, reflect, and act.”

In Los Angeles, worshipper Francis Fah attended a special Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, praying for peace and unity under the new pontiff. “Maybe this is a sign that he can bring stability — not just to the Church, but to the country,” she said.

Tim Anderson, 61, in New York, reflected on Leo’s multilingual fluency — English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Latin, and German — as a strength in a divided world.

“I’m still working on English,” he laughed. “But maybe he can bring back the unity and spirit I remember as a child, when churches were full.”

Rosaria Vigorito echoed that hope: “I want him to bring us together. The world is fractured — he has a daunting task, but I believe he can help.”

She and others expressed hope that Pope Leo could even play a role in global peace efforts, from Ukraine to war-torn regions around the world.

Annie Elm of North Carolina paid tribute to Pope Francis, praising his humility and compassion. “He loved everyone,” she said. “I hope Pope Leo will be just as kind and welcoming to all.”