Local and regional leaders react to new Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Local and regional leaders have been releasing statements throughout the afternoon regarding the selection of the first-ever American pope, who is also Chicago-born.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was selected as the new pope and is now known as Pope Leo XIV.

We will continue to add more reactions as they come in.

Indiana Senator Todd Young released the following statement via X:

"Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope. What an exciting time for Indiana's Catholic community."

Indiana Congressman Rudy Yakym released the following statement via X:

"Congratulations to the newly elected 267th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV — the first American pope in history. My prayers are with him and all who are rejoicing around the world. Touchdown Jesus is smiling a little bigger today!"

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released the following statement via X:

"Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago! Congratulations to the first American Pope Leo XIV! We hope to welcome you back home soon."

Former South Bend Mayor and United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg released the following statement via X:

"The elevation of Pope Leo XIV is a profound and historic occasion. Like so many around the world, I am praying for him and wishing him and the Church well as his papacy begins."

Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., President of the University of Notre Dame released the following statement:

“The Notre Dame community joins with the Church worldwide in giving thanks and rejoicing in the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope,” Father Dowd said. “We celebrate his work as a tireless missionary who has never hesitated to cross borders to announce the Gospel. A leader of vision, humility and energy, he has inspired us with his compassion, generosity and love for the people of God. As he begins his pontificate, we pray that Pope Leo will always be blessed with the wisdom, courage and fortitude he will need.”

Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales released the following statement via X:

"As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we look forward to the guidance and vision of the first American Pope."

Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend released the following statement:

"I welcome the news of the election of our new Pope, Leo XIV, with joyful hope. His first words to Rome and to the world from the balcony of Saint Peter's Basilica were the words of greeting of the Risen Jesus to His disciples: "Peace be with you!" These are simple and beautiful words of greeting from our new Holy Father, the successor of Saint Peter, who expressed the desire that these words of peace enter our hearts, our families, and our world.

I remember serving in one of the working groups with Cardinal Prevost at the Synod of Bishops in Rome. We sat next to each other, and I enjoyed our conversations. Cardinal Prevost was a very good listener, and, when he spoke, he rather quietly offered his own prayerful insights into the topics we were discussing. I was impressed by his intelligence, kindness, and humility.

I was not surprised that, as an Augustinian friar, he quoted these words of Saint Augustine in his greeting to us: "With you, I am a Christian; for you I am a bishop." Pope Leo has invited all of us to walk together in unity toward the homeland that God has prepared for us. I hope that in an often- divided society and world, we will heed these words and work to build unity in the Church and in the world.
It is hard to imagine the weight on the shoulders of our new Holy Father, so I invite all the faithful of our diocese to pray for him. May God bless Pope Leo XIV with the wisdom, grace, and fortitude he will need to serve the Church and the world after the heart of Christ, the Good Shepherd!"

There are also several reactions from national leaders as well.

President Donald Trump released the following statement via the official White House X account:

"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"