Pope Leo XIV: Pittsburgh Bishop, Others React To New Pontiff

PITTSBURGH, PA — Congratulations poured in Thursday from religious leaders and other officials with the announcement that the first American pope - and the first with a direct Pennsylvania connection - had been selected.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, made his debut as Pope Leo XIV shortly after being elected by Catholic cardinals on the fourth ballot of their conclave in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. He is a native of Chicago and a graduate of Villanova University in Philadelphia.

“With joy and gratitude, I welcome the news of Pope Leo XIV’s election,” Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik said in a statement. “We pray for him as he begins his ministry as
the Holy Father. May he be a source of Christ’s love, mercy, and unity for the Church and for the world.”

Bishop Zubik announced plans to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for the new pope at Saint Paul Cathedral in Oakland a 7 p.m. on May 12. The mass will be broadcast on Comcast channel 95 in the City of Pittsburgh and livestreamed on the diocesan YouTube channel.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish, stated on X: "Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV – a @VillanovaU grad with roots right here in our Commonwealth. May your papacy be marked by strength, courage, compassion, and humility as you lead the Catholic Church forward."

The new pope is generally considered to be a centrist both politically and theologically, though he has expressed progressive views on on the Catholic notion of "synodality" and solidarity with the poor and marginalized. He's also embraced conservative views on various issues of church doctrine, including not allowing women to become priests.