This handout image launched on Might 8, 2025 by Peruvian information company Andina reveals the then bishop Robert Francis Prevost throughout a go to to Chulucanas, Peru, in 2024. Prevost was elected Pope on Might 8, 2025. The US-born pontiff near Pope Francis, grew to become a Peruvian nationwide in 2015 and devoted greater than 20 years as a missionary in Peru. | Photograph by Paul SUNCION / ANDINA / AFP
NEW YORK, United States — US Catholics flocked to church buildings throughout the nation in a celebratory temper to mark the “pleasure” of the first-ever American pontiff following Thursday’s election of Pope Leo, who worshippers hoped would deliver again lapsed believers.
Outdoors Manhattan’s imposing St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rosaria Vigorito, 66, mentioned she might “really feel the joy simply within the jiffy I’ve been strolling round.”
The Miami artist mentioned she hoped Pope Leo, a 69-year-old from Chicago who spent a lot of his profession in Peru, can be a reformist.
“I’ve one concern with the Catholic Church that I’m hoping they’ll right, and that’s permitting ladies to turn out to be monks,” she mentioned, a crucifix round her neck.
“I believe Mary Magdalene was an vital apostle. There was a press launch issued by the Vatican years in the past — they known as her the apostle to the apostles.”
Crowds of devoted and journalists had gathered outdoors the church that first opened its doorways in 1879, with lots of of worshippers submitting in to hope and light-weight candles.
A information ticker outdoors the close by Fox Information constructing introduced the shock information to passersby.
Oscar Salvador, 45, a laborer from Mexico, mentioned he hoped Leo would have the ability to stem the tide of individuals leaving the church.
“I imagine it’s a blessing for the folks of America,” he mentioned.
“Hopefully, he’ll go away a great legacy… in order that extra folks keep in Catholicism, since recently we have now seen many individuals go away for different non secular sects.”
– ‘A bit shocked’ –
In Houston, the sprawling Texas metropolis the place greater than 1 / 4 of residents reportedly establish as Catholic, Azul Montemayor mentioned she was “a bit shocked.”
“I used to be not anticipating an American to be elected and I’m simply hoping that he carries on (pope) Francis’s legacy of simply being extra inclusive, and I hope he doesn’t get swayed by extra conservative ideology that we’re having in the US proper now below President Trump,” mentioned the 29-year-old examinations officer.
Analyst Ciro Benitez, 41, informed AFP that Leo’s multiculturalism was an indication “that we will increase to totally different sorts of cultures, (and) I assume, to the world.”
In Washington, Peruvian diplomat Julio Aiana, 32, mentioned “we’re joyful that now we have now a pope who’s half Peruvian” — referring to the nationality Robert Francis Prevost acquired whereas ministering there years earlier than changing into pope.
“I imagine that the occasions are altering,” Aiana mentioned.
Reverend Monsignor W. Ronald Jameson, director of St. Matthews cathedral, informed AFP Leo “was a pal of pope Francis — and he has the power to essentially hear and mirror on what was mentioned, and to implement these varied concepts he heard.”
Again in New York, worshipper Tim Anderson, 61, mentioned Leo’s power would lie in his languages — reportedly talking English, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese — along with studying Latin and German.
“I’m nonetheless engaged on English so I believe it’s gonna be fascinating these days the place there’s a lot craziness,” he laughed.
“Perhaps he can deliver again somewhat little bit of what I bear in mind as a toddler rising up a Roman Catholic — and the way full the church buildings had been again then.”
– ‘Welcoming to all people’? –
Vigorito mentioned she needed Leo “to deliver us collectively.”
She acknowledged the brand new pontiff would have a frightening activity to “do as a lot as (he) can as a non secular chief, as a result of we take care of quite a lot of secular politics and points.”
“I might love the brand new pope to assist, particularly with conflicts in any approach doable, like in Ukraine,” she mentioned.
Salvador mentioned he was additionally hopeful Leo “can reconcile the international locations which can be at struggle and assist them to achieve peace in order that we don’t proceed on this violent path that we live on at this time.”
Having an American pope “will assist deliver extra folks to the Catholic Church, and even people who have walked away — possibly they’ll get reengaged,” added Vigorito.
Annie Elm from North Carolina paid tribute to Francis, calling him “fantastic” and praising his legacy.
“He cherished all people. He lived very modestly,” she mentioned. “He was very humble.”
Elm additionally mentioned she hoped Leo can be “very variety and caring — welcoming to all people.”
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