The Catholic Church made history Thursday with the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff. The moment carried special meaning for Catholics in the Bay Area and across the United States, as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling an announcement that quickly spread across the globe.
Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old Augustinian priest formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost now leads the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.
“We’re really excited — principally that we have a spiritual father,” said San Jose Bishop Oscar Cantú after noon Mass on Thursday at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph. “One of the titles of the pope is Pontifex, which literally means one who builds bridges. I think, given his history and experience, he will be one who can build bridges, particularly between north and south, as he has lived in both hemispheres. He knows both well.”
Pope Leo XIV served as the Vatican’s prefect of bishops and led the Augustinian Order for many years. Cantú cited the new pope’s understanding of Latin American cultures and global issues as a key strength. The new pope spent much of his ministry in Peru.
“He’s quite knowledgeable,” Cantú said. “He knows the pressure points, the issues, the culture.”
Bishop Michael C. Barber of the Diocese of Oakland said the pope’s experience in the U.S. and South America gives him a broad perspective.
“While many are surprised the cardinals chose an American, with his experience in both South and North America as a member of a worldwide religious order, this new pope will have a world vision,” Barber said in a statement. “I am really encouraged by the new Holy Father’s emphasis on bridge-building, which we need in the Church right now. Our prayers and loyalty are with him.”
Unlike his predecessor Pope Francis, who died last month and was known for championing immigrant rights, environmental protection and the marginalized, Leo XIV has maintained a low profile with no public controversies, said Father James Saenz Diaz of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in San Jose.
Diaz said his pastoral work in Latin America, particularly in Chiclayo, Peru, will shape his approach to leading the church.
“That closeness to the reality of migrants, that closeness he had as a pastor — receiving migrants from Venezuela, Colombia and other parts of South America — will be very useful,” said Diaz, who worked with the new pope during his time as a bishop in Peru. “He’s a very simple person — very humble, very approachable, with academic, administrative and pastoral knowledge.”
California leaders also reacted to the historic announcement.
“Joyfully, people around the world have learned of a new pope elected by one of the largest and most diverse conclaves ever — and the first American pope in history,” U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a practicing Catholic and former House Speaker, said in a statement. “For many of us, the name Leo XIV happily brings to mind Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, which was a blessing for working people.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who identifies as Catholic, said he hopes the new pope inspires the faithful to embody the Church’s best values.
“In his first 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 statement.
The Diocese of San Jose — one of three major Catholic jurisdictions in the Bay Area, alongside the Archdiocese of San Francisco and the Diocese of Oakland — serves approximately 525,000 Catholics across 54 parishes.
Daniela Piña Barajas, a kindergarten teacher in San Jose, and her husband, Jose Piña, a middle school sports coach, attend Mass regularly at the San Jose cathedral. She hopes Pope Leo XIV continues the legacy of Pope Francis.
“I hope he continues to help and support those who are most marginalized, those in need — and continues to make the world more loving and caring,” she said.
Timothy Truong, a San Jose State University student who attended Mass on Thursday, said he was surprised by the news.
“I couldn’t believe the new pope is American,” he said. “I hope he can serve the Church and the Vatican City well.”
Outside the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, Mary Singer, a health care worker and patient care coordinator at the Order of Malta Clinic, described the moment as “historic.”
“I think it’s a real big deal,” Singer said as she exited Mass. “I don’t think a lot of people expected it. I hope he’s going to unite us all.”
