The bells of St. Patrick’s Cathedral rang out across Midtown Manhattan on Thursday afternoon as Catholics gathered to celebrate the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago as pope.
Prevost, 69, was chosen on the second day of the papal conclave and will lead the Roman Catholic Church under the name Pope Leo XIV — the first American-born pontiff in the church’s history.
Faithful Catholics converged at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the country’s most iconic Catholic church, to pray, celebrate, and reflect on what the historic election might mean for the future of the faith.
“This is huge for Chicago, but it’s even bigger for Catholics across the world,” said Stanley Bartlett, a native of Chicago. “I hope he moves us in the right direction going forward.”
The celebratory atmosphere marked a striking contrast to the somber gathering at the site last month following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
“We came running here after hearing the news,” said Sarah Irizo, visiting from Italy. “I hope this sets us up for years to come. I’m looking forward to how he will advance the Catholic faith.”
Outside the century-old cathedral, members of the media relayed the news to audiences as those inside the church snapped selfies while worshippers prayed in silence, clutching rosary beads.
Bishop Robert Brennan of the Brooklyn Diocese offered his support for the new pope, calling the moment one of “great love.”
“We’re really proud that he has ties to the United States and to Peru, that he served Pope Francis as the head of the Congregation for Bishops,” Brennan said. “God has given us a new shepherd — let’s pray for him with all our hearts.”
With white smoke no longer billowing over the Sistine Chapel, New York City’s skyline will shine in tribute to the first American-born pope as the Empire State Building tower lights switch to gold and white on Thursday to honor Pope Leo XIV’s election.
Trish Gathers, CEO of the Carmeliite Sisters for the Aged and Infirmed, said the organization is “thrilled with the appointment of Pope Leo XIV.”
“We are encouraged by the ongoing revitalization of the Catholic Church and our organization stands ready to preserve the footprint of the Catholic Church and acute ministries in the US,” Gathers said. “We are so proud of our Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirmed for the visionary response to ensure that the dignity of the frail and elderly remains an important ministry of the Catholic Church.”
