Catholic Americans rejoice for Pope Leo XIV

From priests on pogos celebrating in St. Peter’s Square to the crowd outside St. Patrick’s in New York, the overwhelming emotions were shock, joy, and hope.

VATICAN CITY — The new American pope received a very American reception in Vatican City.

“USA! USA! USA!” chanted a boisterous group of young clergymen dressed in long black cassocks, pogoing in the center of St. Peter’s Square.

The square — often a place for calm and prayer — felt more like a sporting event or a rock concert Thursday after the Vatican conclave chose Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost to be the next pope, making him the first American-born head of the Roman Catholic Church.

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Americans in Vatican City expressed exultation, pride and surprise — stunned surprise — all rolled into one.