The world held its breath on Thursday as it was revealed that Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American missionary who served in Peru, was named the next leader of the Catholic Church— and the first pope of North America.
Following Catholic tradition, the 69-year-old Prevost took the papal name Leo XIV.
Originally from Chicago and leader of the religious Order of St. Augustine, Prevost previously served as the Archbishop of Chiclayo in Peru. He was named a cardinal by the late Pope Francis in 2023 and chosen to lead the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, where among his responsibilities was vetting bishop nominations from around the world. He also served as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
On Thursday, Pope Leo XIV’s first official words to the crowd, appearing on the loggia balcony of St. Peter’s Square wearing the traditional red cape, were “Peace be with you.” And the crowd erupted in cheers.
Southern California Catholics and leaders reacted with joy — and awe — at the historic election of the first pope from the United States.
People react after Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced the election of Cardinal Robert F. Prevost as the 267th pope, choosing the name of Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
In a statement, California Gov. Gavin Newsom was inspired by the first papal address on Thursday.
“He reminded us that God loves each and every person. We trust that he will shepherd us through the best of the Church’s teachings: to respect human dignity, care for the poor, and wish for the common good of us all,” Newsom said. “In a fractured world, we pray his voice becomes a bridge — between faiths, nations, and beliefs — and a force for peace rooted in our shared humanity.”
Local officials from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which includes Rep. Norma Torres, D-Pomona, called Prevost a “spiritual leader whose work has united the Americas from Chicago to Lima.”
“Witnessing Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost become Pope Leo XIV is a powerful moment for the Catholic Church—and for American Catholics. His election reflects a growing global spirit in the Church,” Torres shared online. “I’m hopeful he’ll continue Pope Francis’s legacy of unity, compassion, and inclusion.”
Orange County Rep. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana, who is Catholic, thought the new pontiff would be from Africa or Asia — both regions that he said have seen major growth in the Catholic Church.
“At this point, I’m going to quote Forrest Gump: life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get,” Correa added.
He was inspired that Catholics got a pope who has lived in Peru, speaks three languages and brings a perspective shaped by empathy for marginalized groups.
“He’s very much of an individual; aspiring to be sympathetic of immigrants and refugees,” Correa said. “I’m excited … given all the challenges and turmoil in our world, for a fresh voice. I’m very much looking forward to where the Holy Spirit will lead this new pope, and where he will be inspired by God. And having an American there is exciting for me, although I thought it was against the odds.”
Rep. Linda T. Sánchez, D-Whittier, also called the new papacy a significant moment for the Catholic Church.
“At a time when many are turning away from the global community, it’s heartwarming that someone who embraces the world, speaks many languages and is committed to social justice has ascended to the papacy,” she said. “Pope Leo XIV arrives at a time when the Church faces both challenges and opportunities. I’m hopeful he will follow Pope Francis and continue to be a vessel for peace, dignity and inclusion in the world.”
Rep. Nanette D. Barragán, D-Los Angeles, shared that the appointment “marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church, and for millions who look to the church for moral leadership in a complex world.”
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson congratulated Pope Leo XIV, noting that his leadership “holds deep meaning for many here in Long Beach and around the world. We wish him wisdom and peace as he begins this sacred journey.”
L.A. City Councilman Tim McOsker, a devout Catholic, told KNX News he was “blown away” that an American was chosen.
“This is a historic moment when a pope passes — God bless Pope Francis — and to see a selection so quickly is remarkable,” McOsker said. “We are in the Easter season, this is a period of time between Easter Sunday and the Pentecost. It’s the holiest of seasons for the Catholics, and to have all of this come to fruition during this holy season is really remarkable. I didn’t think in my lifetime I would see an American pope.”
L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath wrote on X, “Habemus Papam! I’m filled with hope as we welcome Pope Leo XIV. I saw firsthand Pope Francis’ deep commitment to human rights, our environment and immigrants dignity for people of all faiths. I look forward to continuing that spirit of shared purpose with our new Holy Father.”
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, who is also Catholic, agreed that while communities “continue to mourn the loss of Pope Francis, the selection of Pope Leo is an occasion for celebration.”
“In addition to Pope Leo’s Chicago roots, he also brings years of service and experience in Peru and across Latin America, providing a connection with Pope Francis, who made history as the first pontiff from the Americas,” Aitken said. “Pope Leo takes over at a pivotal time, and I join many in awaiting to see how his papal priorities unfold.”
Catholic leaders react
Churches across the Southland also celebrated Masses on Thursday, praying for the new pontiff.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles celebrated a noon Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels downtown, and will celebrate a service in thanksgiving of Pope Leo XIV’s election on Friday.
“The cardinals chose Pope Leo XIV — let us pray for him, that God give him the strength to guide us,” said the Cathedral’s pastor, Msgr. Antonio Cacciapuoti, who celebrated the Mass. “As he mentioned, for the things we need, the dialogue, unity and peace. Let’s work on that together with him so we can make the world a better place.”
Afterwards, worshiper Enrique Trelles said he had “a great feeling” about the new pontiff.
“It’s great to have a new pope, to have a shepherd to lead the Catholic Church into a direction where God has called us to go,” the L.A. resident said.
Abby Crook, of Glendale, said she was “overjoyed” after the Mass.
“As this new pope served for 20 years as an Augustinian in Peru,” she said, “I see it as a bringing together of the Americas and a real communion for the entire globalized church.”
L.A. Archbishop José H. Gomez, at a news conference, thanked God for Prevost’s election, and was “encouraged” by the first papal address. He said his prayer today was a “prayer of joy.”
“It’s a beautiful day in the life of the Catholic Church,” Gomez said. “He knows Latin America, which is important for all of us in Los Angeles.”
Augustinian Rev. Sarfraz Alam, who serves as parish administrator of Our Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Church in L.A., said the Augustinian fathers are “rejoicing.” Alam said that he met Prevost in Chicago while in formation as a priest, calling it a “wonderful experience.”
“Pope Leo, our Augustinian brother, is a man of heart,” Father Alam said. “It was such a joy and a surprise to see (him) on the TV. The Holy Spirit has really led the church towards a man of heart, who is humble and kind and ready to listen.”
In the Diocese of Orange, bishops joined Catholics around the world in giving thanks for the conclave election, calling Pope Leo XIV “a man of great faith and integrity, who will lead the church in a journey of faith, hope and love.”
“We are blessed that Pope Leo XIV harbors a deep commitment to proclaiming the Gospel and a pastoral heart that reflects Christ’s mercy and compassion,” said Bishop Kevin W. Vann, along with Auxiliary Bishops Timothy E. Freyer and Thanh Thai Nguyen, in a statement. “To our diocese and all people of goodwill, we invite you to join in prayer for the Holy Father, so that God may grant him wisdom, courage and peace as he guides the Church into the future.”
Bishop Alberto Rojas, from the Diocese of San Bernardino, was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1997. He met with Pope Leo XIV several times during his years of ministry in Chicago, Rojas said in a news release Thursday.
“I found him to be a humble and approachable man of God,” Rojas added. “Like his predecessor, Pope Francis, he also carries a strong connection to Latin America and the Hispanic world because his pastoral ministry as a bishop took place in Peru.”
“We remember the last Pope Leo as a champion of Catholic social doctrine, and so our new pope’s choice of name suggests that he will call us to a greater embracing of Catholic Social Teaching, and our responsibility to care for the poor and marginalized,” Rojas added. “Our world cries out for a leader who guides us to stand up for the dignity of every human life.”
Students at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano eagerly awaited the new pontiff’s big reveal, watching a livestream of the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday morning, May 8, 2025. They celebrated with prayer, ringing bells and getting “pope-sicle” ice cream treats.” (Courtesy of Grace Greiner/JSerra Catholic H.S.)
U.S. Catholics celebrate, feel represented
Southern California Catholics celebrated the new pontiff, hoping his election will bring unity both in and outside of church walls.
Chino resident Elsa Yamas attended a midday Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish. She said she was “fully excited,” and hopes the new Holy Father will guide faithfully, upholding Catholic values.
“We finally have a new pope, and he’s American! It’s exciting to have someone from here,” Yamas said. “Leo runs in our family and we’ve got like three of them, so that’s already a good sign. And he’s Augustinian… I hope he’s still going to be strict with us and really stick to Catholic teaching.”
Other Our Lady of Guadalupe parishioners called it a “blessing” for the church to be represented by a leader from America.
“It’s so exciting to be represented in that way. He just seems so humble, and that’s what I want—for the world to view Americans like that. I didn’t think we were one of the frontrunners, but he represents a huge population,” said Chino resident Lydia Sandoval. “I just wanted to tear up when I saw him. I felt like, this is a humble man, a beautiful man. He showed so much emotion—you could tell it was touching his heart too.”