American History in the Making: The Rise of Pope Leo XIV
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill express shock over the selection of America's inaugural pope: 'Amazing'
In an unprecedented turn of events, the new pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, hails from the land of the free. Our very own Senior Congressional Correspondent, Chad Pergram, spoke to U.S. senators after the shocking announcement, and they couldn't help but express their sheer excitement.
Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D) expressed a sentiment shared by many, saying, "If you told me this would happen before, I'd have said, 'No way.' It's extraordinary. I've been telling folks an American cardinal would never become pope. And I figured, you know, maybe sometime in the future, but certainly not now. So, this is breathtaking. I can hardly believe it."
Hailing from the Windy City, Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, comes from a humble background. A dedicated member of the Augustinians, a religious order within the Catholic Church, the newly elected pontiff studied at Villanova University, was ordained a priest in 1982, and was named a cardinal by none other than Pope Francis in 2023.
Get to Know Pope Leo XIV
Senators across Capitol Hill couldn't contain their excitement, with various senators expressing their enthusiasm about this historic first.
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz) stated, "As an American Catholic, I am incredibly excited. This is a momentous occasion for our nation and the Catholic faith."
Kelly added with a touch of wittiness, "As an Arizonan, this is probably the best pick the Cardinals have made since Larry Fitzgerald."
Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill) echoed a sense of local pride, saying, "We're very proud in Illinois. I hope Leo brings some of his hometown to the Vatican with him."
President Trump Congratulates Pope Leo XIV
The election of the first American pope sparked reactions from all corners of the political spectrum, with even President Trump extending his congratulations. He called the selection a "great honor."
Markey's Hope for the New Pope's Influence
Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass) commented on Pope Leo XIV's past criticisms of Donald Trump's immigration policies, expressing hope that the new pope can apply his pastoral powers to create a better understanding of their responsibilities as leaders of the world's most powerful nation.
Markey asserted that Leo "will continue the legacy of Pope Francis" and that "this new pope channels the history of the Catholic Church, standing up for those who are most in need against those who are most powerful."
Reactions from Chicago
While the responses from U.S. senators remain elusive, local figures in Chicago have been vocal about their pride in this extraordinary event. Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed immense joy and pride, reflecting the celebratory mood in the pope's hometown.
As the world waits to see how Pope Leo XIV will shape the future of the Catholic Church, there's no denying that this historic moment has left an indelible mark on American history. And with Chicago leading the charge in enthusiasm, it's clear that this city's very own will carry a special place in the hearts of the faithful.
Peter Pinedo, a politics writer for Digital, brings you the story.
- The electrifying announcement of an American as the new pope, Pope Leo XIV, has ignited excitement among U.S. senators, who have expressed their enthusiasm about this historic first.
- Commenting on the election, Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz) highlighted the momentous occasion for both the nation and the Catholic faith.
- With a touch of humor, Kelly also compared the selection to the Arizona Cardinals' best pick since Larry Fitzgerald, a renowned NFL player.
- Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill) expressed local pride, stating that Illinois is proud with the pope's hometown roots.
- Reactions from Chicago, the pope's hometown, have been overwhelmingly positive, with Mayor Brandon Johnson reflecting the celebratory mood in the city as the world waits to see how Pope Leo XIV will shape the future of the Catholic Church.
