Election of Pope Leo XIV a cause for great celebration throughout New York City
The election of Cardinal Robert Prevost, who will now forever be known as Pope Leo XIV and the first American pope, stirred many emotions on Thursday afternoon in New York City.
Elected officials released statements and took to social media praising the decision, and people from all over flocked to St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan to celebrate and pray for the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Mayor Eric Adams lauds election of Pope Leo XIV
"Today is a historic day for Catholics across America and the entire world. With the selection of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the first American in history to serve as Pope, the Vatican has uplifted the voices of Catholics across the five boroughs and our entire country. New York City is a global city, bringing together Catholics from all around the world, and I know that given his international service across the globe, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will bring an inclusive perspective to the papacy," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said.
"Catholicism plays a rich spiritual and cultural role in the lives of billions of people, offering hope, guidance, love, and support. Whether it's attending Sunday Mass, praying before dinner, or drawing inspiration from the Bible, Catholicism has enriched the lives of people everywhere, and I know that many -- including myself -- will look to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for leadership and inspiration. I know that I join people of faith from all around the world today in praying for the pope," Adams added.
The Empire State Building was shining its tower lights in gold and white to honor Pope Leo XIV on Thursday night.
"This is truly a joyous and momentous day"
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul took to X and wrote, "Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The prayers of millions of Catholics around the globe are with you to guide the church forward and be a strong champion for compassion and dignity."
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy released a statement saying, "Catholics around the world are beaming with pride" over the selection of Prevost, adding, "Over the years, Pope Leo XIV has distinguished himself as a deeply principled leader who prioritizes service to others above all else. In his own words, he has encouraged his fellow faith leaders 'to be humble, to be close to the people he serves, to walk with them, to suffer with them.
"Tammy and I are praying for Pope Leo XIV's enduring success as he becomes the spiritual leader for more than one billion Roman Catholics around the world -- including myself. This is truly a joyous and momentous day," Murphy added.
Anticipation turns into jubilation at St. Patrick's Cathedral
The bells at St. Patrick's Cathedral chimed long and loud within moments of white smoke appearing at the Vatican.
New Yorkers and visitors couldn't wait to learn who the cardinals had selected. Many said they were hopeful the new pope would follow the teachings of Pope Francis. The amazement of the moment only increased when the world learned an American was chosen to assume the throne of Saint Peter.
"I am ecstatic! Oh my God, and to be here at St. Patrick's, it's just overwhelming," said Renee Bettinger of Jersey City.
"I'm just so excited for our country, for the world," said Paquita Chavez of Maspeth, Queens.
"I feel like it's great for the American Church, for American Catholics," a woman named Barbie from Orlando, Florida said. "I'd love to know if he's going to continue some of the legacy of Pope Francis."
"It's dope, having some representation," said Tom Coronado, of Colorado.
"As Americans, you felt a little distant because it was always a foreign pope, so I think it's a little bit more solid connection," Pennsylvania resident Jim Melchionna said.
"Being part of the LGBTQ community, I definitely didn't want to go backwards, and it sounds like this one is very progressive, and so, fingers crossed," added Cee Jay of the Upper East Side.
Brian Kerwin was in the same class of 1977 with Cardinal Prevost at Villanova University, and shared mutual friends. He said he had followed the new pope's ecclesiastical career over the years, including Prevost's many years leading the Catholic Church in Peru.
"Yes, I have a lot of Peruvian friends so it was interesting that we had this Villanovan who spent so much time in Peru," said Kerwin, adding of what he knows about Prevost's character, "Great guy, spectacular, couldn't be better, couldn't be happier."
"His election will kind of give a boost of enthusiasm to all of us who are believers here in this country," Father Enzo Del Brocco said.
Del Brocco believes the new pope's ties to North and South America can help unite the church.
"The American church also has suffered a little bit of polarization lately, and I think that probably he can help us instead come together and understand that communion is not about uniformity, but actually putting together the differences because that is what makes the church really beautiful," he said.
Many Catholics told CBS News New York where Cardinal Robert Prevost came from is not as important as where Pope Leo XIV goes.
"My hope for Leo is that he leave an indelible mark on the church, that over time we get to know him and love him, and that he will serve us to the best of his ability," said Father Joseph LaMorte, at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Pope Leo XIV is the first Augustinian pope
Pope Leo XIV is also the first Augustinian pope to be elected pontiff.
Father Luis Vera, who leads St. Nicholas of Tolentine in the Bronx – New York's only Augustinian church, served on an international formation commission when Prevost was prior general of the Augustinian order. Vera knows the pope simply as "Bob."
"I was stunned," he said. "First, we never thought that an American probably would be the pope, second, an Augustinian, one of our brothers."
The Augustinian order, founded in the 13th century, promotes the spirit of community and tradition of education.
"The joy of working with people, being with people, building bridges. I think that was his main message," Vera said.
Augustinians across the world are looking forward to a new era based on centuries-old values.
"Welcoming people into the church, synodality, dialogue. Those were very key words that he mentioned, and I think those will be footprints for his papacy," Vera said.
Vera says having an Augustinian pope is a great honor and a blessing for his church.