Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been named the first American pope, selected Thursday by 133 cardinals from across the globe on the second day of the papal conclave in Rome.
The new pontiff, who will go by the name Leo XIV, greeted the thousands who jammed St. Peter’s Square from the red velvet-draped central balcony at St. Peter’s Square.
Just an hour earlier, the crowd, many of whom had stood watch for hours with eyes on the Sistine Chapel chimneys, erupted in cheers as white smoke poured into the sky and bells tolled across the plaza, signaling the new leader of the church’s 1.4 billion members.
Several Texas names have reacted to the news. Here are some reactions from across the Lone Star State.
Austin Catholic Diocese
“Dear Friends in Christ in the Diocese of Austin, our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude for our new Holy Father,…
Fort Worth Catholic Diocese
We pray for #PopeLeoXIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, from #Chicago!https://t.co/E59r6Oxu1d pic.twitter.com/gBavRWxsXn
Fort Worth Catholic Bishop
POPE WATCH:
I will have reaction from the Fort Worth Catholic Bishop.
Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected the 1st American Pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
Prevost, 69, took the name Leo XIV. @wfaa @ABC @CityofFortWorth pic.twitter.com/lo7GD4omtS
San Fernando Cathedral
First American Pope! Pope Leo XIV
People here in San Antonio have been glued to their phones, awaiting this moment pic.twitter.com/GKAimgObGR
Texas State Senator Paul Bettencourt
Habemus Papam! Cardinal Robert Prevost is the first-ever U.S. (Chicago)-born Pope!! A new chapter begins as the white smoke rises and the new Holy Father steps onto the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
What incredible timing!! After the Texas Senate had the honor… pic.twitter.com/QFAB1tmOZv
Texas State Senator Cesar Blanco
HABEMUS PAPAM!
History has been made as American cardinal, Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was elected as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church. Praying for his leadership to be guided by the compassion, wisdom, and teachings of Christ. #txlege
Texas Senator Ted Cruz
Habemus Papam. https://t.co/O03B7aLyTt
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texans react as Robert Francis Prevost becomes Pope Leo XIV: ‘A new chapter begins’
Reporting by Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
