Pope Leo XIV celebrates first Mass as pope; reactions pour in from around the world

The Catholic Church has a new leader and congratulations are pouring in from across the world as Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass Friday in the Sistine Chapel. It comes after the historic election of Augustinian missionary and Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago as the first pope from the U.S. in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history. He emerged from St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican and spoke to the crowd in Italian and Spanish, but not English.

Meanwhile, reactions are coming in locally following the election of Pope Leo XIV. Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Bishop Kevin Rhoades and Diocese of Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas expressed joy and excitement for the new pope.