Catholics say the Holy Spirit moves in mysterious ways. This time blowing west of the Vatican to the United States with the election of the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV.

“Definitely a fun surprise. Cool to see an American pope,” Brooklyn resident Jamie Terrell said.

What You Need To Know

  • Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago was elected pope of the Catholic Church on Thursday, taking the name Pope Leo XIV

  • For New York's more than 3 million Catholics, it’s not simply about who Pope Leo is, it’s about what he might become

  • Many faithful say they hope the newly elected pope continues the legacy of his predecessor

In Brooklyn, and for the city’s more than 3 million Catholics, it’s not simply about who Pope Leo is, it’s about what he might become.

“It seems pretty clear, follow the line of Francis, just making it more open, progressive and also beyond just Catholics,” Brooklyn resident Hudo “B” said.

“I never expected somebody who has roots here in the United States,” Bishop Robert Brennan, head of the Brooklyn Diocese, said.

Brennan’s closest encounter with Cardinal Robert Prevost, the man who would become pope, was through correspondence with his office.

“He has a missionary spirit. I think that’s something that is key. You hear us talk about being missionaries — he actually was a missionary,” Brennan said.

As the world begins to learn more about Pope Leo, for the faithful from across the boroughs, Pope Leo XIV is more than a new name in Rome — he’s also a new beginning for the church.