For the first time in the history of the papacy, an American has been elected the head of the Roman Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert F. Prevost becomes Pope Leo XIV.
In the immediate aftermath, reactions poured forth from local and national leaders.
“On this historic occasion, Catholics in the Philadelphia region and around the world rejoice abundantly,” Archbishop Nelson J. Perez, the 10th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, said in an official statement. “The election of our new Holy Father and his appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter’s Square in Rome today fills us with great hope and joy.”
“Pope Leo XIV will be a pastor not just for Catholics,” he continued, “but for every person of goodwill. He is a man of deep faith and extraordinary intellectual ability who understands the pastoral needs of our richly diverse Church as well as the challenges of our modern society. I know that his papacy will be marked by a desire for genuine Christian encounter with all people and that it will be filled with the compassionate love of Jesus Christ.”
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has also announced a Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV with Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez acting as the main celebrant and homilist. The Mass will take place at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Friday, May 9, at 12:05 p.m.
President Donald J. Trump posted his congratulations for the new Pope on Truth Social, writing, “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Many in the Philadelphia area are celebrating Pope Leo’s appointment and his connection to the city, having graduated from Villanova University in 1977.
ROBERT PREVOST, THE NEW POPE, WENT TO VILLANOVA
PHILLY GUY pic.twitter.com/zbJ22b7BrJ
— Philly Sports Sufferer (@mccrystal_alex) May 8, 2025
Rev. Peter M. Donohue, President of Villanova University, also made a statement on the newly elected Pope. In his statement, Rev. Donohue exclaimed that it was a “proud and extraordinary day” for both Villanova University and the global church, praising him for his “humility, gentle spirit, prudence and warmth.”
“As we embark on this new chapter of Catholic leadership,” Rev. Donohue said, “let us remain open to the wisdom, inspiration, and opportunities that change brings. May we be challenged to reexamine our role in fostering an academic environment that remains steadfast in faith yet boldly engages with the complexities of the modern world.”
