In a historic moment, U.S. lawmakers on Capitol Hill celebrated the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, Leo’s rise to the papacy has sparked excitement across the country.
Senator John Hoeven, R-N.D., called the moment “unbelievable” and said, “If you told me ahead of time, I would have said, ‘No way. Never happen.’ This is phenomenal. American Catholics are thrilled.” Pope Leo XIV, a member of the Augustinian religious order, studied at Villanova University and became a priest in 1982. Pope Francis named him a cardinal in 2023. With his election, the Catholic Church takes a major step beyond its European roots.
Senator Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., shared his excitement and said, “As an American Catholic, I am incredibly excited.” Kelly added humor by saying, “As an Arizonan, this is probably the best pick the Cardinals have made since Larry Fitzgerald.” Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., expressed pride and said, “We’re very proud in Illinois,” adding that she hopes Leo brings “some of his hometown to the Vatican.”
Senator Ed Markey, D-Mass., spoke about Leo’s leadership potential. He said, “Hopefully, the new pope can help JD Vance and Donald Trump understand their responsibilities. They represent the most powerful and wealthiest nation in the world. We must protect the most vulnerable and those in need.” Markey believes Leo will continue Pope Francis’s social justice legacy. Yet Leo has already shown a more traditional style by choosing the name “Leo” and wearing the red papal cape, which Pope Francis did not wear after his election in 2013.
Pope Leo XIV’s election marks a major shift for American Catholics and the global Church. Many across the country see his rise as a proud and symbolic moment on the world stage.
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