Pittsburgh-area leaders congratulate Pope Leo XIV, noting ties to Pennsylvania

Several Pittsburgh-area leaders are congratulating Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost, who was elected as the first pope ever from the United States. 

As he prepares to lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics and succeed Pope Francis, 69-year-old Prevost chose Leo XIV as his papal name. He has ties to Pennsylvania, graduating from Villanova, near Philadelphia, with a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1977.

Pittsburgh parishioners overall seem excited to have a new leader of the Catholic Church, and they hope he builds upon some of the positive practices of Pope Francis. 

"From what I hear, he's a good guy and just looking forward to seeing how the new pope works and what he'll do for the Catholics," said Parth Bhargava.

"I think it's great he's American. I mean, they didn't think we'd get an American, but I'm thrilled," said Sally Busch. 

Bishop David Zubik welcomes news of Pope Leo XIV's election

Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik said he's joining Catholics in "prayerful celebration" following the announcement of the new pope. 

"It seems to me the Cardinals chose the surprise choice. It seems to me there's a clear indication that they thought it was well to continue the legacy of Pope Francis because I think an awful lot of the agenda of Pope Francis from the very beginning about reaching out to the poor is significant, a message that I think as a result of the vote of Pope Leo XIV," Zubik said.

Zubik plans to hold a Mass of Thanksgiving at Saint Paul Cathedral in Oakland on Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m. In the meantime, he's inviting the faithful to pray for Pope Leo XIV. 

Election of American pope shocks and excites Bishop Larry Kulick 

Greensburg Diocese Bishop Larry Kulik said he is looking forward to working both for and with Pope Leo XIV. Kulik says that this is a huge moment for the American Catholic Church and for a man who is considered by many to be a humble, kind and caring leader.

"I really think that they saw in Pope Leo the qualities, particularly, although he was American-born, a lot of his ministry was in Peru and then working in the Vatican. So he brings really a universality to his life experience and to his ministry, which I think will be key to helping him reach out to all people," Kulik said. 

Leaders congratulate new pope 

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro posted well wishes to Pope Leo XIV on social media, acknowledging his "roots" in the state. 

"May your papacy be marked by strength, courage, compassion, and humility as you lead the Catholic Church forward," Shapiro said. 

Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick also noted the new pope's connection to the state, writing on social media, "May God bless and guide him and Catholics around the world." 

Ken Gormley, the president of Duquesne, a Catholic university in Pittsburgh, said Prevost's election "should be reassuring to Catholics worldwide." 

"The first American-born Cardinal to become Pope – at a time when the United States faces challenges in conveying a positive image around the world – is a historic nod to this nation's importance in the global community," Gormley said. 

Gormley said Prevost "clearly earned Pope Francis's vote of confidence." 

"For that reason, the new era that begins today with the election of Pope Leo is likely to mark the strengthening and expansion of Pope Francis's pastoral and humanistic approach to the role of supreme pontiff, expanding the reach of the Church and embracing all individuals, including those who have been marginalized. For that reason, this is an outcome that Pope Francis would almost certainly view with quiet approval."