The Catholic Church has elected an American pope, Leo XIV, for the first time in the history of the papacy.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was officially named the first-ever pope from the United States on Tuesday afternoon after only the second day in the papal conclave.
After word of his election began to spread, Pope Leo XIV stepped out onto the central balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, where he was greeted by an audience of thousands. The news came after the cardinals had previously sealed themselves off from the rest of the world to gather and elect Pope Francis’ successor.
Rev. Pablo Gomis, VF, pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish in Lynn, said he’s excited for what comes next.
“I share the excitement with the Catholic community for the election of the new Pope, which is always a gift from the church to the people,” Gomis said. “I really look forward to experiencing his leadership, and knowing that he’s going to bring us closer to the love of Christ.”
Gomis said that he’s excited to have a shepherd who has the mission of the church in his heart.
Rev. Brian Flynn, pastor of Saint Mary of the Sacred Heart parish in Lynn, shared his perspective on the new election.
“It’s wonderful to have a new pope — I was very surprised, like most people, that they chose an American Pope… My thinking is, ‘What drove those cardinals to elect him?’ We know the holy spirit guides them, but I’m surprised that those cardinals went in there and elected him as the pope.”
Msgr. Timothy Moran, pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea in Marblehead, commented on his surprise regarding the election. While Moran didn’t happen to know Pope Leo XIV personally, he said he knew of the new pope, and shared only positive thoughts.
“Certainly, we all welcome the election, it’s great to see his choice of name as Leo, because he’s committed to the social doctrine of the church,” Moran said. “Especially on behalf of those who are most needy — it’s kind of a surprise that it’s somebody from the United States, but it’s a wonderful opportunity for our local church communities to do something good for the world.”
Msgr. John McLaughlin, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Swampscott and St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Nahant, said while he’s supportive of the new pope, there’s not much about him that McLaughlin knows.
“I wished I knew more about him, the world is shocked that we have an American pope, even though it’s a cardinal that is very well known to many of us,” McLaughlin said. “I don’t know much about him, but I heard he’ll be a good leader.”
Rev. Andreas Davison, pastor of Peabody’s St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle parishes also commented on the change.
“First of all, I am happily surprised that it’s an American,” Davison said. “He has experience with the Jesuits, and spent many years in Peru… Being a missionary, he’s well acquainted with other cultures and languages.”
Davison said he’d like to “see the new pope’s relation to Pope Leo XIII, the last pope to take the name. “I don’t know him personally, but I think he’s uniquely qualified for the position.”
