PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Hours after Pope Leo XIV presented himself to the world for the first time, the American bishops offered prayers to the new pontiff, and said that they “rejoice that a son of this nation has been chosen by the cardinals.”
“In communion with Catholics around the world, the bishops of the United States offer prayers of thanksgiving for the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the U.S. Bishops’ Conference, said in a statement, also noting Pope Leo XIV’s international experience in Rome and Peru.
“Certainly, we rejoice that a son of this nation has been chosen by the cardinals, but we recognize that he now belongs to all Catholics and to all people of good will,” said Archbishop Broglio, who leads the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. “His words advocating peace, unity, and missionary activity already indicate a path forward.”
Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan called the election of the first pope from the United States “amazing” and “historic.” He said the Church “welcomes Pope Leo XIV warmly and with great love,” highlighting that he is the pope the world needs at this time.
“Our new Holy Father’s words today were carefully chosen — his already powerful words are those of peace,” Bishop Brennan said in a statement. “As Christians throughout the world reunite to pray for an end to religious persecution and the violence of war and for a renewed respect for the human dignity of all people, God has truly given us the Pope we need for this time.”
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Cardinal Joseph Tobin, archbishop of Newark, said that he joins “with all people everywhere in welcoming our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.”
“May God bless him abundantly in his ministry as the successor of St. Peter, Bishop of Rome,” he added.
Similar sentiments were expressed nationwide. Catholic faithful and clergy alike rejoiced in the announcement of a new pope and offered him prayers, recognizing the historic fact that this is the first pope from the United States.
At Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, where Pope Leo XIV is from, the faithful gave a standing ovation when the Holy Father was announced for the first time during a Mass. Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, at a conclave watch party, put his hands in the air and exclaimed, “An American! … Oh my goodness.”
The Midwest Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel said they are “honored” that one of their own has been elected pontiff. Prior Provincial Father Anthony Rizzo described Pope Leo XIV as “a man of deep integrity, a true listener, and a companion to those on the margins of society.”
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“Pope Leo XIV brings to the papacy the heart of an Augustinian: a love for community, a thirst for truth, and a shepherd’s care for the people of God. His life of mission, teaching, and servant leadership reflects the best of our tradition,” Father Rizzo said. “We offer him our prayers, our love, and our unwavering support. May his pontificate be a source of unity, peace, and renewal for the Church and the world.”
Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference, called Pope Leo XIV’s election “a moment of deep national pride for U.S. Catholics.”
“More importantly, Pope Leo brings a continuity with the ministry of Pope Francis, while at the same time gifting the Church with his own unique perspective as a son of Chicago,” he added. “With his choice of the name Leo, he clearly signals a deep commitment to Catholic social teaching and support for working men and women.”