In a history-making moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected pope last Thursday, becoming the first American-born pontiff. Now known as Pope Leo XIV, the 69-year-old brings years of service as a missionary, bishop, and Vatican leader to the role.

Born in 1955, Pope Leo XIV served for over 15 years in northern Peru before becoming bishop of Chiclayo. In 2023, he was appointed by Pope Francis to oversee the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops. His elevation to cardinal earlier this year placed him in a strong position heading into the conclave.

“With hearts full of joy, the Diocese of Stockton joins the Universal Church in celebrating the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV,” said Diocese of Stockton Bishop Myron J. Costa. “This historic moment, unfolding during the Jubilee Year, is a powerful reminder of the Holy Spirit’s guidance and presence in the life of the Church. We offer our prayers for Pope Leo XIV as he begins this sacred ministry, and we stand with him in faith and unity as we move forward together in hope.”

“It is with Praise and Thanksgiving to Almighty God; Bishop Joseph V. Brennan and his Chancery staff welcome with great joy and reverence, the announcement of his Eminence, Robert Cardinal Prevost having been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church,” the Diocese of Fresno said in a released statement. “He has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV. As the first American pope in history, Pope Leo XIV brings with him a deep commitment to unity, peace, and compassion. We pray for his leadership and invite all people of goodwill to join in prayer and support as he begins his service to the Church and the world. May God Almighty continue to bless and shower the Holy Father with an abundance of His Divine favor and grace, that as the successor of Peter, he will pastorally shepherd Christ’s flock / His people of the Universal Church with strength, love, and peace through his governance, teaching, and sanctification mission.”

The announcement was met with joy across the Westside, especially in the Catholic communities of Gustine and Newman, where faith and tradition run deep.

Johnny Verisimo, a longtime member of the Our Lady of Miracles and member of the OLM Choir in Gustine, called it a proud moment. “This was something I never thought I’d see,” Verisimo said. “An American pope—it gives us all a little more hope and a sense that anything’s possible.”

Gustine City Councilman Mark Melville also reflected on the news. “It’s not just historic, it’s inspiring,” Melville said. “You can feel a sense of pride in our community—this is uplifting in a time when we need it.”

Maria Lopes, a grandmother from Newman, shared how emotional the moment was. “I cried when I saw the white smoke,” Lopes said “I thought of my parents, who never imagined this day. It means so much to people like us.”

According to a recent survey in Crisis Magazine, 19 percent of Americans self-identify as Catholics, down from 24 percent from 2007 — a 20 percent decrease. Of those 19 percent, which represents just over 50 million adults, less than a third attend Mass weekly (though attendance did improve slightly between 2023 and 2024, according to a Gallup survey).

Carlos Jimenez, a truck driver from Gustine, said he watched the announcement during his lunch break. “It gave me chills,” Jimenez said. “A pope from our country, someone who worked in the trenches—it shows that good, humble work matters.”

Alyssa Ramirez, said it sparked excitement among her youth group. “We were all texting about it,” Ramirez said. It’s cool to see someone who really cares about regular people. That’s what our Church needs.”

Teresa Avila, a retired seamstress, sees the new pope as a sign of healing. “There’s been so much division,” Avila said.” Maybe this is a turning point. We need someone who reminds us to take care of each other.”

Jorge Castillo, farmworker, said the announcement gave him comfort. “He’s worked with people in Latin America—he knows what it’s like for people like me,” Castillo said. “That makes me feel seen.”

Emily Costa, a young mother, said she shared the news with her kids right away. “It gave us something to smile about,” she said. “It was like telling them we just witnessed history.”

For many across the Westside, the election of Pope Leo XIV is not just a milestone for the global Church—it’s a moment of pride, reflection, and renewed faith right here at home.