(OSV News) -- A day after the conclusive papal election, more U.S. Catholic cardinals and bishops voiced their gratitude, joy and hopes for the ministry of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from their own nation.
"It's a great moment of exhilaration and hope and promise for the church," said Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York in a video posted May 9 to his X account. "We have a pope. And take my word for it, he's a darn good one."
The cardinal -- who quipped he was "kind of glad for the church that I'm not pope" -- was joined in his reaction by prelates across the country.
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago -- where the new pope was born and raised -- said in a May 9 statement, "Many here know Pope Leo XIV as Robert Prevost, a classmate, friend and neighbor. Our pride in him as a native son is exceeded only by our pride in his service to the People of God and to our Church."
The cardinal also said that Pope Leo's election in less than 24 hours by a diverse conclave of over 130 cardinal electors "is a clear sign of the unity, so needed in a world torn by division and conflict."
Cardinal Cupich stressed that as a missionary, Pope Leo "knows firsthand the needs of those at the margins and holds them close.
"We expect he will carry on the regard for the poor so associated with Pope Francis but will lead us and teach us in his own way," said Cardinal Cupich.
He also said the new pope's choice of name "recalls Pope Leo XIII who defended the dignity of workers at a time when concern for their rights was scarce. This earlier Pope Leo, generally considered the father of Catholic social teaching, placed our church firmly in the world, speaking against injustice and for peace."
"As wars and discord continue and some deny human dignity with their words and deeds, such a voice is clearly needed," said Cardinal Cupich.
"Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Church has been blessed once again with a beloved shepherd to lead us in faith and unity," said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, New Jersey, in a statement posted May 9 to Jersey Catholic, that archdiocese's digital media outlet.
Writing on his blog May 8, Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley, the retired archbishop of Boston, said that "the whole Church rejoices and gives thanks for the gift God has given to the Church in Pope Leo XIV."
Cardinal O'Malley pointed to the pope's previous years of missionary service in Peru, part of a "rich pastoral experience in Latin America" that, along with his Augustinian order leadership and years in Rome, "will all provide valuable preparation for his new ministry as Pope."
The cardinal also said that "Pope Leo's frequent references to peace in his opening remarks point to the mission of the Church to be a leaven for unity in the human family."
At a May 8 press conference, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles also highlighted the new pope's Latin American pastoral ministry.
"The Catholic Church has some beautiful, concrete teachings about the need to be open to all people including immigrants,” said Archbishop Gomez said. "I think the new pope, knowing the reality in the United States and in Latin America, has the possibility to help us all in this country to understand that immigrants are a blessing for our country and in all parts of the world."
The archbishop reflected on Pope Leo's "urbi et orbi" blessing, delivered from the loggia over St. Peter's Square May 8 upon his introduction to the world as pontiff.
"Pope Leo XIV also said today that the people of the world need the light of Christ in order to reach God and to know his love," said Archbishop Gomez. "And that is the truth."
Archbishop Michael G. McGovern of Omaha, Nebraska, who shares the pope's hometown, said he was "moved by the fact that our new Holy Father has Chicago roots."
Like Cardinal O'Malley, the archbishop stressed the new pope's "pastoral work in Peru and his leadership of the Augustinian Order based in Rome," which "have shaped his (Pope Leo's) view of the world and the Church."
Bishop David M. O'Connell of Trenton, New Jersey, said in a May 8 statement that the "momentous occasion" of Pope Leo's election "marks the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Church, filled with hope and renewed commitment to our faith."
Fellow New Jersey Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of Paterson noted in a May 9 statement that Pope Leo "chose as his first words to the City of Rome and the world the greeting of the risen Lord to the disciples" -- "Peace be with you."
"On this day of his election, Pope Leo looked forward in confidence, 'We walk together and go forward without fear,'" said Bishop Sweeney.
In a reference to the literal meaning of "pontifex," the Latin word for pope, Bishop Sweeney said, "As Supreme Pontiff -- 'Supreme Bridge Builder' -- we rejoice in the bridges that can be built among people, always recognizing that Jesus Christ is our bridge between heaven and earth through the power of the Holy Spirit in the Church he founded."
In a May 8 statement, Bishop Salvatore R. Matano of Rochester, New York, said the new pope's election marked "an extraordinary moment for the church in the United States as a native son, inspired by the life of Saint Augustine and of the order bearing his name, now occupies the Chair of Peter."
The bishop highlighted Pope Leo's recent predecessors, from St. John XXIII through Pope Francis, as "outstanding popes" whose legacies as "good and holy, Christ-like pontiffs" would support the new pope as he "takes his place as successor to Saint Peter and Vicar of Christ."
In a post on X shortly after the papal announcement, Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, simply said, "I am stunned with the joy of this moment. God has given the Church a great gift."
Bishop Steven J. Maekawa of Fairbanks, Alaska, writing in a May 8 message on the diocesan website, said he and faithful there "rejoice with the universal Church at the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, a son of the United States who has spent much of his life in missionary work!"
The bishop also implored "the intercession of the angels and saints, especially Saint Augustine," so that the new pope would be blessed with a strong faith which will guide all Christians towards unity and fidelity to Jesus Christ.
"May he continue to be faithful to the sacred Traditions of the Church and promote the dignity of all peoples amid a constantly changing world," said Bishop Maekawa.
