The world held its breath on Thursday as it was revealed that Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American missionary who served in Peru, was named the next leader of the Catholic Church — and the first Pope of the Americas. Southern California Catholics and leaders from around the world reacted with joy — and awe — at the historic election of the first pope from the United States.

Following Catholic tradition, the 69-year-old Prevost took the papal name Leo XIV.

Originally from Chicago and leader of the religious Order of St. Augustine, Prevost previously served as the Archbishop of Chiclayo in Peru. He was named a cardinal by the late Pope Francis in 2023 and chosen to lead the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, where among his responsibilities was vetting bishop nominations from around the world. He also served as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

On Thursday, Pope Leo’s first official words to the crowd, appearing on the loggia balcony of St. Peter’s Square wearing the traditional red cape, were “Peace be with you.” And the crowd erupted in cheers.

Local officials from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which includes Rep. Norma Torres, D-Pomona, called Prevost a “spiritual leader whose work has united the Americas from Chicago to Lima.”

“Witnessing Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost become Pope Leo XIV is a powerful moment for the Catholic Church—and for American Catholics. His election reflects a growing global spirit in the Church,” Torres shared online. “I’m hopeful he’ll continue Pope Francis’s legacy of unity, compassion, and inclusion.”

Orange County Rep. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana, who is Catholic, thought the new pontiff would be from Africa or Asia, both regions that he said have seen growth in the Catholic Church.

“At this point, I’m going to quote Forrest Gump: life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get,” Correa added.

He was inspired that Catholics got a pope who has lived in Peru, speaks three languages and brings a perspective shaped by empathy for marginalized groups.

“He’s very much of an individual … aspiring to be sympathetic of immigrants and refugees,” Correa said. “I’m excited … given all the challenges and turmoil in our world, for a fresh voice. I’m very much looking forward to where the Holy Spirit will lead this new pope, and where he will be inspired by God. And having an American there is exciting for me, although I thought it was against the odds.”

Rep. Linda T. Sánchez, D-Whittier, also called the new papacy a significant moment for the Catholic Church.

“At a time when many are turning away from the global community, it’s heartwarming that someone who embraces the world, speaks many languages and is committed to social justice has ascended to the papacy,” she said. “Pope Leo XIV arrives at a time when the Church faces both challenges and opportunities. I’m hopeful he will follow Pope Francis and continue to be a vessel for peace, dignity and inclusion in the world.”

Rep. Nanette D. Barragán, D-Los Angeles, shared that the appointment “marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church, and for millions who look to the church for moral leadership in a complex world.”

Churches across the Southland also celebrated Masses on Thursday, praying for the new Holy Father.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles celebrated a noon Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels downtown. L.A. Archbishop José H. Gomez will appear afterward to give remarks.

“Let’s give thanks to God for the power of the Holy Spirit,” said the Cathedral’s pastor, Msgr. Antonio Cacciapuoti, who celebrated the Mass. “The cardinals chose Pope Leo XIV — let us pray for him, that God give him the strength to guide us. As he mentioned, for the things we need, the dialogue, unity and peace. Let’s work on that together with him so we can make the world a better place.”

After the Mass, worshiper Enrique Trelles said he had “a great feeling” about the new pontiff. “

“It’s great to have a new pope, to have a shepherd to lead the Catholic Church into a direction where God has called us to go,” the L.A. resident said.

Abby Crook, of Glendale, said she was “overjoyed” after the L.A. Mass.

“As this this new pope served for 20 years as an Augustinian in Peru,” she said, “I see it as a bringing together of of the Americas and and a real communion for the entire globalized church.”

In the Diocese of Orange, bishops joined Catholics around the world in giving thanks for Pope Leo XIV’s election, calling him “a man of great faith and integrity who will lead the church in a journey of faith, hope and love.”

“We are blessed that Pope Leo XIV harbors a deep commitment to proclaiming the Gospel and a pastoral heart that reflects Christ’s mercy and compassion,” said Bishop Kevin W. Vann, along with Auxiliary Bishops Timothy E. Freyer and Thanh Thai Nguyen, in a statement. “To our diocese and all people of goodwill, we invite you to join in prayer for the Holy Father, so that God may grant him wisdom, courage and peace as he guides the Church into the future.”

Leaders from the Diocese of San Bernardino shared a prayer on social media: “You have founded your church on the rock of Peter’s faith and have never left your flock untended. We praise you for the gift of a new shepherd for your church. Grant him … all the graces and blessings to fulfill his call to shepherd your church.”

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson wrote, “Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on his election. His leadership holds deep meaning for many here in Long Beach and around the world. We wish him wisdom and peace as he begins this sacred journey.”

L.A City Councilman Tim McOsker, a devout Catholic, told KNX News he was “blown away” that an American was chosen.

“This is a historic moment when a pope passes — God bless Pope Francis — and to see a selection so quickly is remarkable,” he said. ” … We are in the Easter season, this is a period of time between Easter Sunday and the Pentecost. It’s the holiest of seasons for the Catholics, and to have all of this come to fruition during this holy season is really remarkable. I didn’t think in my lifetime I would see an American pope.”

Rep. Nanette D. Barragán, D-Los Angeles, said, “His appointment marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church and for millions who look to the Church for moral leadership in a complex world.”

“Habemus Papam! I’m filled with hope as we welcome Pope Leo XIV,” L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath wrote on X following the announcement. “I saw firsthand Pope Francis’ deep commitment to human rights, our environment & immigrants dignity for people of all faiths. I look forward to continuing that spirit of shared purpose with our new Holy Father.”

In a statement, California Gov. Gavin Newsom was inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s first papal address.

“He reminded us that God loves each and every person. We trust that he will shepherd us through the best of the Church’s teachings: to respect human dignity, care for the poor, and wish for the common good of us all,” Newsom said. “In a fractured world, we pray his voice becomes a bridge — between faiths, nations, and beliefs — and a force for peace rooted in our shared humanity.”

Southern California Catholics celebrated the new pontiff, hoping his election will bring unity both in and outside of church walls.

Chino resident Elsa Yamas attended a midday Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe. She said she was “fully excited,” and hopes the new Holy Father will guide faithfully, upholding Catholic values.

“We finally have a new pope, and he’s American! It’s exciting to have someone from here,” Yamas said. “Leo runs in our family and we’ve got like three of them, so that’s already a good sign.  And he’s Augustinian… I hope he’s still going to be strict with us and really stick to Catholic teaching.”

Maria Aquino, a parishioner at St. Denis Catholic Church in Diamond Bar, called the conclave election “a very historical and significant moment in time.”

“I think it is something special that he is the successor to Pope Francis and chose the name “Pope Leo XIV”, as both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIII were fierce advocates for those on the margins and kept issues relating to social justice close to their hearts, and as a focus in their papacies,” Aquino said. “May he continue their work towards a more peaceful and just world.”

South Pasadena resident Jessica Gerhardt was excited about the new pope and his chosen name, and praised his first address to the world. Gerhardt is a theology teacher at Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, where she said much of the conclave coverage has been incorporated into her class curriculum.

“A lot of us are pretty stoked that the new pope chose the name he did,” Gerhardt, 35, said. She respected that the words Pope Leo XIV shared in his address “had some of those key terms (which) are very much identifiers of the spirit of Pope Francis’ papacy and legacy.”

“As a cardinal, he was very vocal in some of his opposition to our current administration and the leadership of America,” Gerhardt added, “so it seems like perhaps the College of Cardinals felt like we need somebody in the Catholic Church who can counterbalance some of the the power coming out of America — and sort of be someone that can stand up to that power.”

From her new home in Palm Springs, Jennifer Magallon greeted the news with excitement and hope. The Magallons discovered an unscathed statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the backyard of their Altadena home after it burned to the ground in the Eaton Fire.  That statue now protects their new home in the desert.

“In this world we live we pray for a humble, compassionate and strong Pope to help us through these trying times,” Magallon, 53, said. “We’re hopeful our new Pope and leader of our faith will be a great blessing to our church and the world.”

This report is breaking news; watch for updates

Staff writers Anissa Rivera, Allyson Vergara, Arianna Clay, Hanna Kang, Madison Hart, Hans Gutknecht, Victoria Ivie and the Associated Press and City News Service contributed to this report.