Reaction around the U.S. to the first American pope
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Robert Prevost, elected pope Thursday, grew up in Dolton. Former neighbors and local Catholics reacted to the election of the first American pontiff in the church's 2,000-year history.
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“It just really felt magical,” the Rev. Joseph Wahlmeier, a Lincoln priest who was in St. Peter's Square to witness Chicago-born Robert Prevost be introduced as Pope Leo XIV.
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“It is a source of tremendous pride that in this complex and difficult age that the Holy Spirit has guided the Cardinal Electors to choose not only this fellow countryman, but a person of profound faith, broad perspective and hopeful vision,” Bishop Michael W. Fisher said in a statement to The News.
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"Usually Catholics from the United States never, ever get to be pope, so that was kind of a shock and surprise and actually how fast it went as well too."
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Casper’s Catholic community gathered around televisions and other screens to watch the the new pope being introduced. Here's what they thought.
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Students at Decatur's Catholic schools watched the white smoke appear above the Vatican that signals a new pope has been chosen.
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Local Catholic faith leaders greeted with enthusiasm the election of the first pope from the United States — and from Illinois.
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"I think for us today, the main thing is we're just very joyful to have a new pope," said the Rev. Leo Kosch, pastor at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Beatrice.
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Following the selection of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux City has issued a statement.
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From President Donald Trump to Virginia's Catholic bishops and politicians in both political parties, leaders issued congratulations and good wishes to the first American pope.
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"We were all on pins and needs when we saw the white smoke," said Fr. Michael Berndt, director of campus ministry and chaplain for the Newman Catholic Community at Eastern Illinois University.
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Cascia Hall Preparatory School had its school day happily disrupted Thursday by the stunning news that a former governing board member just became Pope Leo XIV.
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Local Catholics are pleased with the election of the new pope. They’re largely happy he’s from the United States and hope he will help the American church come together.
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St. Bridget Catholic School in Richmond posted a photo on Instagram showing students celebrating the news: "Can you feel the excitement?! We have a Pope!"
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Pope Francis' successor is the first American-born pontiff in the Catholic Church's 2,000-year history.
"There are people walking around Calumet City today that the future pope counseled."
"We never would have suspected that he was going to be a priest, let alone a bishop or cardinal or the Pope."
