American Catholics React to the Election of Pope Leo XIV

The news rippled across the United States like a shockwave of joyous surprise: Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born missionary with deep ties to Peru, had been elected the next Pope. The announcement that Prevost, taking the name Leo XIV, would lead the Catholic Church sent waves of excitement and reflection through Catholic communities, with many expressing both astonishment and hope for the future.

For many American Catholics, the election of an American Pope felt like a historic turning point. Moises Rodrigues, a city councilor from Brockton, Massachusetts, captured this sentiment, exclaiming, "Imagine, for the first time in our history having an American pope. Someone who understands American issues. And he’s also a friend of Pope Francis. I’m in gaga land." Rodrigues’ enthusiasm reflected a sense that the Church’s leadership was now closer and more attuned to the unique challenges and opportunities facing American Catholics.

Prevost’s background offers a compelling narrative. He attended Villanova University and Catholic Theological Union in Chicago before pursuing a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. His extensive service in Peru, including his time as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023, coupled with his roles as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, illustrates a man deeply engaged with both the global Church and the specific needs of the developing world. This combination of experiences seemed to position him well to lead a diverse and globally connected Church.

Rev. Msgr. W. Ronald Jameson, the director of St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington D.C., expressed his surprise, admitting that the selection "totally shocked" him. "I never thought in my lifetime I would see an American pope," he said while listening to Pope Leo XIV’s first address. Jameson articulated a sense of optimism, expressing hope that the new Pope would continue the work of his predecessor, Pope Francis, by advocating for unity, peace, and inclusivity. "He is someone who will continue the work of Francis and, for me, that’s very important," Jameson emphasized.

Tyler Duvelius, a lifelong Catholic from Ohio who once had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis, shared his emotional reaction upon witnessing the white smoke and the subsequent appearance of Cardinal Prevost on the balcony. "I was shocked," Duvelius confessed. "I really didn’t think we’d see an American pope anytime soon. It’s really quite emotional." He expressed his hopes for the Church’s continued revitalization in America under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV. Duvelius also voiced a desire for American Catholics to embrace the new Pope as a spiritual leader, urging them to avoid allowing political divisions to unduly influence their perception of him. "He’s the pope for the entire world and I hope we keep that in mind," he asserted.

Tim Anderson, a 61-year-old from Hoboken, N.J., demonstrated his excitement by rushing to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. An Irish Catholic, Anderson reflected on the decline in church attendance among younger generations and expressed his hope that the election of an American Pope would revitalize faith and bring "positive energy" to a world facing numerous challenges. “Hopefully this could bring it back," Anderson stated, "some positive energy with all the bad that’s in the world right now."

The selection of Pope Leo XIV also prompted discussions about the potential implications for the relationship between the Church and the United States. William Miles, a professor of political science at Northeastern University in Boston, suggested that the choice of an American Pope could be interpreted as a "theo-political" response to certain social policies in the U.S. with which Pope Francis had expressed disagreement. Miles argued that the selection sends a message that the United States is not solely defined by divisive political figures. "Given what’s happening politically in this country, choosing an American shows that America is not entirely represented by the MAGA president," Miles explained. "It’s saying they’re concerned about the moral and spiritual direction that the U.S. is taking." He noted the timing of the papal transition amid ongoing debates about immigration and social justice issues, suggesting that the Church aimed to present a more compassionate and inclusive face to the world.

Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, who has represented numerous victims of clergy sexual abuse, expressed his hope that Pope Leo XIV would prioritize the safety of children and implement effective programs to address the ongoing crisis of abuse within the Church. "Hopefully, Pope Leo XIV will actually create effective programs to help clergy sexual abuse victims try to heal, screen and supervise priests and prevent clergy sexual abuse," Garabedian emphasized. "The Catholic Church has to understand that the safety of innocent children cannot be sacrificed for an outdated and inexcusable need to protect the reputation of the Catholic Church."

Even former President Donald Trump weighed in on the selection, stating, "What greater honor could there be?" His brief comment highlighted the global significance of the papacy and the attention that the election of an American Pope would inevitably garner.

The diverse reactions to the election of Pope Leo XIV reveal a complex mix of hope, excitement, and cautious optimism within the American Catholic community. While many celebrate the historic significance of having an American Pope, others are eager to see how he will address critical issues facing the Church and the world, from social justice and immigration to clergy abuse and the revitalization of faith. The coming years will undoubtedly be closely watched as Pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy and shapes the future of the Catholic Church.