The Rev. Gosbert Rwezahura opened Mass on Sunday morning at Christ Our Savior Parish in South Holland, Illinois, by expressing the sentiment shared by many in attendance: “Habemus papam!” He joyfully announced, “He is one of our own!” This marked the first Sunday in American history with an American pope, Pope Leo XIV, seated on the throne of St. Peter in Rome.
Across the country, Catholics gathered in parishes filled with a sense of wonder, hope, and pride. At Christ Our Savior, the pride was particularly personal, as the parish was formed from others in the area, including a now-closed church where the pope attended as a child. Father Rwezahura emphasized, “We are the home parish of the pope!”
Parishioners expressed their joy and pride in various ways. Janice I. Sims, 75, shared her feelings, stating, “I’m so full and so proud, I don’t know what to do.” Others recounted personal anecdotes about their connections to the future pope, Robert Prevost.
At Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, the Rev. Ton Nguyen began his homily with “Viva Papa Leo the 14th!” eliciting applause from the congregation. Outside, yellow and white bunting decorated the church in celebration. Father Nguyen expressed his overwhelming joy at having an American pope from Chicago.
Similar sentiments were echoed in parishes nationwide, where congregants voiced hopes for the new papacy, including attracting younger members to the church and fostering unity within the Catholic community. Amelia Coto, 70, attending a Spanish-language Mass in Miami, expressed optimism that a Spanish-speaking pope could influence American immigration policy.
In New Orleans, the pope’s family connections to the Black Creole community sparked enthusiasm, with social media filled with playful images of the pope integrated into local culture. Angela Rattler, 69, attending Mass, shared her emotional response to the pope’s humility.
Mother’s Day contributed to higher attendance in many churches, with some parishes completely filled. At St. Ann Parish in Coppell, Texas, the Rev. Edwin Leonard pivoted his planned homily on motherhood to discuss the new pope.
Among traditionalists, there were questions regarding Pope Leo's potential approach to the traditional Latin Mass, especially after Pope Francis's restrictions. At a Latin Mass in Oklahoma, the Rev. Joseph Portzer expressed cautious optimism about the new pope’s intentions for unity within the church.
Father Leonard in Texas urged his congregation not to categorize the new pope within American political ideologies, acknowledging the need for a broader perspective. He stated, “If you did that, shame on us.”
At Christ Our Savior, a diverse congregation of immigrants and long-time residents celebrated their connection to the new pope. Father Rwezahura, originally from Tanzania, and local deacon Mel Stasinski, highlighted the global nature of the church that Pope Leo XIV now leads. The shared joy among the congregation was palpable, with Diane Sheeran, 70, reflecting on her excitement, saying, “I had a grin for two days.”