United States: Catholics throughout America attended Sunday Mass this weekend for the first time in history with a US-born pope overseeing the Church from Rome.
The College of Cardinals announced on Thursday that Robert Prevost, who was born in Chicago, would lead the church’s 1.4 billion worldwide followers. He was called Pope Leo XIV by the Cardinals.
US-Born Pope Elected by Cardinals
The election of the first American pope, whose family has roots in many parts of the United States, brought special pride to Catholics here.
New Orleans resident Meaghan Gibson told reporters on Sunday that Pope Leo appears ‘very down to Earth’ and she was thrilled by the election, especially because her family had roots here, npr.org reported.
“The fact that his family comes from New Orleans is amazing,” as Gibson, 37, stated.
“Hopefully, he will grace us with his presence sometime during his papacy,” Gibson added.
Here's what U.S. Catholics are saying about the election of Pope Leo XIV
— nuprizm (@nuprizm) May 12, 2025
From NPR:
• Catholics across the U.S. attended services with an American pope for the first time.
• Robert Prevost, born in Chicago, was selected as Pope Leo XIV.
• U.S. Catholics expressed pride,… pic.twitter.com/Ock568XHjy
Joseph and Louise Martinez stayed in New Orleans before relocating to Chicago from 1910 to 1912, says the Historic New Orleans Collection.
“So possibly if that had not been built, the family might’ve still been here,” Gibson mentioned.
“It’s very amazing to see that happen and know his grandparents got married just down the street from our home church,” he continued.
Later, the space where their home stood was used to build a highway, according to findings by the museum and research center.
Enthusiasm Spreads Across Generations in Churches
During Mass at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church in Houston on Sunday, Angie Spencer told The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez that there is much enthusiasm surrounding the election of the first American pontiff, as npr.org reported.
“I have a little grandson. He just told me in church today, ‘You know what, grandma? I’m going to be a priest and then I’m going to be a bishop and then I’m going to be a pope,” Spencer stated.
“Even he’s catching onto it,” she added.
She said that she hopes Leo will build on Pope Francis’ efforts to support those in need and to unite people from every corner of the globe.
