A conclave of 133 cardinals tapped Chicago-born missionary Robert Prevost on Thursday to succeed the late Francis as the 267th Catholic pontiff.
The 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order, who spent his career ministering in Peru, took the name Leo XIV.
Here are local reactions from around the United States after his election to be the first American pope in the Catholic Church's 2,000-year history:
Reaction around the U.S. to the first American pope
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.
“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.
“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.
"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."
Casper’s Catholic community gathered around televisions and other screens to watch the the new pope being introduced. Here's what they thought.
Students at Decatur's Catholic schools watched the white smoke appear above the Vatican that signals a new pope has been chosen.
Local Catholic faith leaders greeted with enthusiasm the election of the first pope from the United States — and from Illinois.
"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.
Following the selection of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux City has issued a statement.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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!"
Photos: Chicago celebrates election of Pope Leo XIV
“Long live the Pope! Long live the Pope!” chanted sixth graders from Everest Academy, a Catholic school in Lemont, Ill., in front of Holy Name Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago, following the election of Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and the first American Pope in history on Thursday.
People peer inside of Holy Name Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago, while waiting to come inside to pray following the election of the new Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Ill.
Julia Caspar, left, and Catherine Freidenfeld, right, of Hillsdale College, pray following the election of the new Pope on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Ill.
People gather to celebrate the election of the new Pope on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Ill.
People chat outside Holy Name Cathedral while waiting to go inside and pray following the election of the new Pope on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Ill.
A person takes a picture of the front of Holy Name Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago, following the election of the new Pope on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Ill.
People wait outside the doors of Holy Name Cathedral to celebrate the election of the new Pope on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Ill.
People pray following the election of the new Pope on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Ill.
