Milwaukee Catholics react to the election of Pope Leo XIV, first American pope

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Around the world there was surprise and even shock as the name of an American was announced as pope for the first time in history.

Soon, the world started to learn about Pope Leo XIV. Many see him as a centrist overall, and a progressive on many social issues. That reputation pleased a lot of Catholics.

Many likened Pope Leo to his predecessor, Pope Francis, and hope his papacy continues much of the work started by Francis.

At a Thanksgiving mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Thursday night, May 8, parishioners felt gratitude.

Fr. Brian Mason told the congregation, "There's a sense of excitement and celebration."

He added, "We ask for the Holy Spirit to bless our Holy Father abundantly and richly."

The surprise and elation were still sinking in for congregants who never expected an American to be chosen to head the church.

Walter attended Mass with his three children. He told us when he heard the name of an American announced, "I cried. Absolutely." He said he was overcome by emotion to have a pope who will “give a voice to all these American Catholics.”

Earlier in the day, emotions ramped up the moment white smoke started drifting over St. Peter's Square after just the third ballot.

Rev. Jeffrey Haines, the Auxiliary Bishop of Milwaukee, said, “To be honest with you, I was not really thinking of this happening today."

Around the globe, people waited for the announcement with bated breath.

Clergy at the Archdiocese of Milwaukee were among the millions rushing to learn more about the new pope.

Rev. Haines said, "They certainly liked the qualities that he brought to it. I think there was a strong connection with Francis, because he was the one who chose him."

Pope Leo's connection to Pope Francis and the desire to continue his work was not lost on those who know him.

Fr. Mark Francis, the Provincial for The Clerics of St. Viator, told us Leo is "a person who is humble, who is concerned about the poor, and is a good listener."

Father Francis met his classmate Bob more than 40 years ago. He said, “He was basically a very steady, serious person. Very dependable. And had very good judgment."

Now he -and the world- will get used to calling him Pope Leo.

“Even when he was named a cardinal, I always still called him Bob. But now I don’t know how I’m going to address him,” Father Francis said.

In this new era, church doctrine will stay rooted in tradition.

Rev. Haines said, “We know what the topics are. How he’s going to address them and how he’s going to make them more applicable to our time, that’s the new part.”

But the flock eagerly awaits its newest Holy Father.

At Mass, Father Mason said, "Let's pray for him every day, that he be a true, good shepherd. And that, with us, we find salvation together."

Archbishop Jeffrey Grob will celebrate another Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo on May 13 at 6 p.m. It will be held at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.