The election of U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has drawn an emotional response from clergy and laity across the globe, celebrating his historic rise as the first American to lead the Catholic Church.

Visitors and clergy in Washington, D.C., welcomed the election of Pope Leo XIV with heartfelt emotion on Thursday, hailing the historic rise of the first American-born pope as a moment of national and spiritual significance.

At the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Barb and Joseph Tabaczynski of Florida called it a “great blessing” and “very moving moment” for the United States.

Monsignor Ronald Jameson of St. Matthew's Catholic Church said Pope Leo’s name choice may honor Leo XIII, known for championing social justice.

From Chicago, the new pope’s hometown, Bishop Larry Sullivan called the day “one of great joy and excitement,” expressing confidence that Pope Leo XIV will ‘give voice to the voiceless.’

In Los Angeles, Father Antonio Cacciapuoti urged the faithful to support Pope Leo's mission of peace: “He invites us to be a people of peace, unity, and dialog.”

In Lima, Peru, where Prevost served as a missionary and became a nationalized citizen, celebrations broke out. “What God has sent is a sign for Peru,” said resident Salvador Oliva Ramos, calling the election a divine message for unity.

Faithful in Rio de Janeiro welcomed the announcement, with devotee Alexandre de Teffle hoping the pope “will bring unification” and resist ideological pressures.

At Cologne Cathedral in Germany, visitors expressed hope for “more openness and flexibility” from the Church under the new pope.

In Paris, excitement erupted at Notre-Dame Cathedral, where a priest interrupted mass to proclaim “Habemus Papam!,” according to a local worshipper.

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