Optimistic crowds flock to New York City churches to celebrate 1st American pontiff Pope Leo
NEW YORK (WABC) -- World leaders, Americans and those at home in the Tri-State are cheering for the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, whose name is Robert Francis Prevost.
The 69-year-old, who hails from Chicago and attended Villanova University, is the first pope from the United States.
News of an American pope came as a surprise and throughout the afternoon crowds have flooded to St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown. They even played the Star Spangled Banner on the organ after Pope Leo's name was announced.
Becky Anthony and her best friend, Maria Kelleher, stood outside St. Patrick's and gasped. They were pleasantly shocked to learn the cardinals had elected an American pope.
"We're happy, sounds like a good man, we need a good representative from our country," Anthony said.
New Yorkers and tourists alike poured into St. Patrick's after hearing the news, and in the evening, a mass was held to celebrate the new pope.
For many it was an upbeat, yet solemn moment to pray for Pope Leo XIV and hoping that he will continue the legacy of Pope Francis.
"I think he's going to challenge us," Arrys Ortanez said. "This new pope, Pope Leo, is going to challenge us to branch out. That the church is for everyone. Echoing what Pope Francis said, which is for all. For all people."
Kathleen Hymes is from the Upper West Side.
"As a Catholic, I want to know, number one, is he going to be a counterweight to President Trump? Is he going to stand up for the immigrants in this country? Number two, is he a centrist? Is he following Francis?" Hymes said. "Is he going to do more than just bless the individual gay person or will he bless the couple? Will he allow women a greater role in the church? Will he speak for those who can't be spoken, spoken for, those who are downtrodden, those who are poor, those who are struggling in this world."
Among the parishioners on Thursday was Brian Kerwin, a financial adviser from Basking Ridge, New Jersey, who attended college with Pope Leo, Villanova Class of 1977.
"For the world, don't we need somebody to bring us together, you know, particularly? So, my hope is that he continues what his mentor did and is really brings the world together," Kerwin said. "I mean, he really was, from what I understand, part of putting together this whole conclave. So, you know, my hope is that we understand that we're all the same, you know, across the globe."
In that spirit of unity, Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement, "His holiness Pope Leo XIV will bring an inclusive perspective to the papacy."
Governor Kathy Hochul is urging him "To guide the church forward and be a strong champion for compassion and dignity."
Meanwhile, at St. Sebastian's Church in Queens, Carmen Bissel celebrated the newly-elected pope.
"First of all, an American pope, nobody could have called that," Bissell said. "And then for him to have ties to Peru, but also the immigrants - there's so many immigrants that come from Peru, but also all over South America and all over the world that are hopeful."
Pope Leo spent more than 20 years in Peru working as a teacher, a missionary and a parish priest before becoming the Bishop of Chiclayo, appointed by Pope Francis.
"He will represent the people who need it more, you know, our problems, and I think in the world everybody has the same problems," said parishioner Judith Nunez.
Those are the very problems that the diverse congregation at St. Sebastian's brings to mass and they are grateful for the new pope's keen understanding of the plight of the underprivileged across the globe.
"I think he'll be a voice of compassion for the immigrant community," said Pastor Fr. Patrick West.
That sentiment is being echoed in the Peruvian community of Little Lima in Paterson, New Jersey, an intersection of local businesses off Market Street.
The city is home to thousands of Peruvians, like Alejandra Ayme who has lived there for 30 years.
"I feel good, I am happy... the people are very happy right now, everybody is talking about the new papa," she said.
"This guy is speaking Spanish, he is for 20 years in my country," said James Mislucin. "I'm excited for everyone that speaks Spanish."
For Catholics, Americans and Peruvians, there is immense pride in Little Lima, and fervent prayers have already begun for the new pope's success.
ALSO WATCH | Catholics in Newark, NJ react to the selection of the first American Pope
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