DETROIT (WXYZ) — Catholics around the world, and across metro Detroit, are reacting to the elevation of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost to Pope Leo XIV.
After the new pope was elected on Thursday, churches across the area gathered and prayed for the next chapter.
Watch Darren Cunningham's video report:
Right inside the doorway of St. Priscilla’s Catholic Church in Livonia, golden fabric, know as bunting, was hoisted to honor the new pope and welcome parishioners before they entered the sanctuary.
Many worshiped at Thursday evening mass with a renewed sense of optimism for the Catholic Church worldwide.
“I was so excited that it was an American pope. First time ever,” Theresa Wyss said.
Hear more reaction from metro Detroit Catholics below:
The new Pope is a Chicago native and the first American to ever hold the Papacy.
Wyss says she was shocked but not surprised by the election of Prevost as pope.
“When they said he was Pope Leo XIV, I got excited," Wyss said. "Because Pope Leo XIII was the one that made the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer for us because he saw a vision and he was prompted to do the prayer after all holy masses and it was St. Michael to protect.”
Hear from metro Detroit Catholic journalist Teresa Tomeo from Rome:
Rasha Thomas said “I just hope that he does the will of God and loves Jesus with all his heart and he does not alter Jesus’ teachings but bring people close to God.”
Mary Strahorn says she’s hoping the new pope restores traditional Latin mass.
“We’ve had good guys and bad guys. This guy appears to be a good guy. I think Francis was a good guy too,” Strahorn said.
Claudine Jaboro said “We all have been praying for the conversion of America and so maybe this is it. Maybe this is what we’ve been praying for, and having an American pope kind of gives us more of a voice, I think.”
Hear from Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger in the video below
The Archdiocese of Detroit issued the following statement on behalf of Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger:
It is with deep joy and gratitude to God that I join the faithful around the world in celebrating the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. We give thanks not only for his election as the Bishop of Rome but also for his generous and faithful response to the Lord’s call to serve the Church in this profound way. Pope Leo XIV's election leaves me exceptionally joyful, and I must humbly acknowledge that I did not anticipate a United States citizen would be elected Pope. His lifetime of ministry includes many years of ministry as a bishop in Peru, giving him a thorough understanding of South America. Moreover, his close association with Pope Francis, history of charitable efforts for the poor and marginalized, extensive prior experience in the Vatican, and personal humility are all qualities that perhaps focused the light of Christ upon him for his brother Cardinals to see.
Let us pray for Pope Leo XIV as he now begins his sacred ministry as the successor of Saint Peter, the Vicar of Christ on Earth. As we give thanks for his election let us also ask the Lord to pour fourth every grace of the Holy Spirit that he will know wisdom, compassion, and joy as he leads us into the future.
The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit is hosting a special Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday at 5 p.m.
