Diocese Of Metuchen 'Rejoices’ In Election Of 1st U.S.-Born Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV

METUCHEN, NJ – The Diocese of Metuchen erupted in celebration on Thursday, when the College of Cardinals elected history’s first U.S.-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV.

A native of Chicago, Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected successor to Pope Francis.

"The Diocese of Metuchen rejoices that we, once again, have our Peter, our rock to lead and guide the Church as Holy Father," Rev. James F. Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen, said in a statement.

Prevost, who was raised in Dolton, completed his secondary studies at the minor seminary of the Order of St. Augustine in 1973. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics at Villanova University in 1977. Prevost was ordained a priest in 1982.

He spent his career ministering in Peru, is a member of the Augustinian religious order.

Checchio asked the faithful to pray for Pope Leo’s strength and guidance as he shepherds the global Catholic community.

"We are grateful to God for the gift of Pope Leo XIV, and I ask the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen to join me in prayers of thanksgiving to God," he said.

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