Cardinals Dolan, Tobin celebrate Pope Leo, 1st pontiff from United States
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The faithful at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown shared their joy for Pope Leo XIV on Friday morning as they prayed and lit candles for the new pontiff.
Many Americans will be able to connect with the new pope in a way they haven't before.
His supporters think of him as middle of the road between Pope Francis' inclusive approach and a more conservative doctrinal path. Pope Francis named him a cardinal just two years ago.
New York's Cardinal Dolan opened up the American Cardinals news conference at the Pontifical North American College in Rome on Friday, followed by Newark's Cardinal Tobin.
Cardinal Dolan said his fellow cardinals likely didn't know or simply didn't consider Cardinal Robert Prevost's background as an American, as he had served in Peru for two decades and at posts around the world after that.
"I don't think the fact that Cardinal Prevost was from the United States had much weight," Dolan said. "Would he want to build bridges to Donald Trump? I suppose. But he would want to build bridges with the leaders of any nation."
Cardinal Dolan is expected to stay in Rome until inauguration day, which is scheduled for May 18.
Cardinal Tobin, who has known Prevost for about 30 years, described casting his vote in the Sistine Chapel, and Prevost beginning to realize he would be the next pope.
"I took a look at Bob, because his name had been floating around, and he had his head in his hands. I was praying for him, because I couldn't imagine what happens to a human being when you face something like that. And then when he accepted it, it was like he was made for it. All of whatever anguish was resolved. This wasn't a response to a proposal. God had made something clear," Tobin said.
Cardinal Tobin feels that Pope Leo XIV will serve the faithful well and be a strong leader for the Catholic Church.
"He is not one to pick fights with people, but he is not one to back down if the cause is just. And I guess the last thing I'd say about Bob is he's a good listener. I just thanked him yesterday, when it was my turn, for saying yes to such an awesome responsibility."
ALSO WATCH | Catholics in Newark, NJ react to the selection of the first American Pope
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