American Pope Sparks Joy and Hope in Washington D.C. and Beyond

The election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has sent waves of elation through Catholic communities across Washington, D.C., and the United States. The news, arriving swiftly after the commencement of the papal conclave, marks a historic moment: the first time a U.S.-born individual has ascended to the papacy.

Rev. Msgr. W. Ronald Jameson, director of St. Matthew’s Cathedral, the mother church of the archbishop of Washington, captured the prevailing sentiment, stating, "I never thought in my lifetime I would see an American pope. Today is an extremely joyful day.” The swift transition was evident at the cathedral, where maintenance workers replaced black bunting with the vibrant white and gold draping symbolic of the Holy See and the new pontificate.

The selection of Cardinal Prevost, originally from Chicago, Illinois, came as a surprise to many. The 69-year-old’s extensive missionary work and service as a bishop in Peru, where he also became a naturalized citizen, however, provide a unique perspective and blend of experiences that resonate with many. Pope Leo XIV, as he chose to be named, wasn’t initially considered among the frontrunners to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away last month at the age of 88.

Despite the initial surprise, the appointment is being met with optimism and hope for the future direction of the Catholic Church. Jameson anticipates Pope Leo XIV will champion unity, peace, and inclusivity, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis. "He is someone who will continue the work of Francis and, for me, that’s very important,” Jameson observed.

Gabby Innamorato, who works at a nonprofit near St. Matthew’s Cathedral, exemplified the spontaneous outpouring of emotion. Upon hearing the news, she and her coworkers immediately went to the Cathedral. While she had initially hoped for Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines to be the next pope, listening to Pope Leo XIV’s first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica instilled a sense of optimism. She believes he will be, like Francis, “a man of the people.” “This is a surprise, but not in a bad way,” Innamorato remarked. “I just did not expect it.”

Lucero Rossi, a 36-year-old economist who emigrated from Mexico, expressed that Pope Leo XIV aligns with her prayers following Pope Francis’ death. Immigration and environmental issues are particularly important to Rossi, and her initial assessment of the new pope’s statements suggests a continuation of Pope Francis’ progressive stance on these matters. "He seems to have a very pro-immigrant agenda,” she said, “so I am very happy about that.” Rossi noted the significance of Pope Leo XIV’s first public appearance, particularly when he addressed his former dioceses in Chicago and Peru in Spanish, rather than English. “I really loved that,” she said. “That was an embrace of the Latin American world.”

The blend of American and Latin American experiences in Pope Leo XIV’s background is being seen as a significant asset. Isaac Sagastume, an ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Washington, expressed his excitement, saying, “it’s a very exciting time for the church in the United States.” He believes Pope Leo XIV is well-equipped to address the complex challenges facing the world today. Sagastume had the honor of briefly meeting Pope Francis in 2016. He remarked that Francis "set a path" for Leo, and he hopes to see a “pastoral continuation” from the new head of the Vatican.

Politicians in the United States have also offered their congratulations and well wishes. President Donald Trump, in a statement to the media, said, "To have the Pope from America is a great honor.” Rep. Robert Garcia, the first Peruvian-American member of Congress, used social media to express his hopes for Pope Leo XIV’s leadership. "He has demonstrated that he believes in justice for the poor and immigrants," Garcia stated. "May his leadership reflect these ideals as he spreads peace across the world.”

Later in the day, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic church in North America, the announcement of the new pope reverberated through the congregation. Rev. Msgr. Vito A. Buonanno, at the evening mass, exclaimed “He’s American!” to a thunderous applause. “I never thought I’d live to see it,” he added.

Catherine and Steven Miggemeier, who drove over four hours from Long Island, New York, with their daughter, a student at Catholic University of America, attended the Mass. They expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV will attract “more people to the Catholic faith” and continue Pope Francis’ message that “the church is open to everyone.” Catherine Miggemeier, who experienced the excitement of Pope Francis’ visit to New York in 2015, voiced her anticipation for Pope Leo XIV to visit his native land and make appearances throughout North America. Until then, she said she will embrace the excitement of a new representative of God on Earth. "This is a monumental day," she said.

The selection of Pope Leo XIV signals a new chapter for the Catholic Church, one imbued with a sense of hope, renewal, and a bridge between different cultures and continents. The blend of American and Latin American influences in his background, combined with his dedication to the principles of unity, peace, and inclusivity, have created an atmosphere of enthusiasm and anticipation within the Catholic community and beyond.